Robust presence in shopping areas, choke points for Christmas season – GPF

…as day and night patrols activated

The Guyana Police Force is adopting a “no resources spared” campaign during the Christmas season to clamp down on the anticipated criminal activities which will surface, and thus protecting citizens as they conduct their business.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum outlined that the Force has a comprehensive plan for the holiday period, with heightened patrols, Police presence and investigative capacity.
The campaign, which commenced from November 15, will see the utilisation of real-time information from the Command Centre. The Police are planning to increase “visibility” at the Cheddi Jagan and Eugene F Correia International Airports. There will be day and night patrols and heightened attention to commercial banks, busy shopping areas and night spots.
“We will expand our operational and investigative capacity to all the regions. We will continue to have robust presence on the choke points, checkpoints and border locations,” said the Crime Chief.

During the Christmas holiday, there is a high risk of robberies, simple larceny, larceny against businesses and patrons, congestion and accidents especially in Georgetown. In light of this, the capital city has been divided into 15 sectors, where 24-hour vehicle patrols will be conducted.
Each sector will be commanded by an officer or inspector along with adequate ranks. Foot and bicycle patrols will be done between 08:00h to 18:00h daily. Motorcycle patrols will start from 06:00h and conclude at 18:00h.
Giving a detailed presentation these plans, Regional Commander of Region Four A, Simon McBean related that foot patrols will be conducted in several high-risk streets in Central Georgetown, Stabroek Market, the minibus parks and the ferry stelling areas.
According to him, persons should be aware of their surroundings at all times and be mindful to not carry valuables which may attract criminals.
“Cell phones are one of the most prevalent things that are taken in our street crimes. Conceal your valuables such as cell phones. If you can shop in groups, that will help the situation. Plan your trip ahead. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or clothing that may draw attention to you,” McBean indicated.

For Georgetown, ranks will be stationed at several key areas of high traffic and business entities. Areas of concern for Georgetown are Regent Street, Robb Street, Camp Street, Water Street, Bourda Market, Stabroek Market, Lombard Street, Vlissengen Road, Homestretch Avenue, Main Street and Sheriff Street.
Traffic concerns around this time incude speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, double parking, lorries traversing during peak hours, and increase in vehicles within Georgetown.
As such, container trucks are to operate within Georgetown between 22:00h and 05:00h. Businesses have been advised to offload containers at the terminals and then transport these goods using lorries to their respective locations.
Fixed points for Police presence on the East Bank of Demerara include the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Soesdyke Junction, Eccles traffic light, DSL traffic light and Gafoors entrance. On the East Coast, it is Plaisance and Mon Repos Markets.
Over on the West Coast, traffic will be controlled at the Vreed-en-Hoop Junction; and for the West Bank of Demerara, it is Schoonord, the Harbour Bridge and La Grange. Tuchen, Parika Junction and Market are also fixed points on the East Bank of Essequibo.
For Berbice, Rose Hall and Central New Amsterdam have been identified; along with Anna Regina, Charity and Supenaam for Essequibo.
Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie has assured, “At each policing region, they are rolling out their Christmas policing posture. Over the weekend, some would have already been roll out. So, countrywide, it covers each of the 10 regions and the 12 policing divisions…We will also be working with private security services”.
Canine patrol will also be activated at busy downtown areas.