Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee told Abary farmers that steps will be taken to change which police station they can take complaints of cattle rustling and other crimes to and he encouraged them to form CGPs to help stem the incidences.

One farmer said that over recent months he had lost close to 40 heads of cattle to rustlers and suggested that the presence of a police outpost in the area may be an effective solution. He said residents often have to travel to the Mahaicony Police Station to lodge their complaints. “Slothful response by the police” was also cited as a major concern shared by farmers, a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said.

In response, Rohee explained that though Abary falls under the jurisdiction of the Mahaicony Police Station the ministry will consider having residents lodge complaints at the Fort Wellington Police Station, which is closer to the area.

He also committed to exploring the possibilities of establishing a police outpost in Abary but in the meantime he urged residents to form a community policing group (CPG) to stem the rise in petty crimes. Currently there are 24 requests countrywide for the establishment of police outposts pending, GINA said.

GINA said residents also asked about the acquisition of firearm licenses and the minister advised them to make formal applications.