-as plan unveiled to protect Christmas shoppers
Warning that robberies have become well-organised, the Guyana Police Force’s ‘A’ Division yesterday said it intends to deploy 187 ranks to protect Christmas shoppers in the city and patrols are also set for sensitive areas such as Agricola and Diamond
Commander of ‘A’ Division George Vyphuis stated that in an effort to ensure that citizens are able to carry out their business without fear or confusion, plans have been made to intensify the police presence and operations in the division from November 15th to January 15th, 2013
He said that the 187 ranks will be mobilised to carry out these plans. One hundred and seven ranks will be supplied from ‘A’ Division, while 80 will be made available by Police Headquarters. He further stated that other forms of policing will also be utilized to tighten security in the seven sectors of ‘A’ Division. Vyphuis said that they will be depending on Community Policing Groups and City Constables as well as the Guyana Association of Private Security Firms to lend a hand in the effort.
He revealed that there will be heightened special operations around banks, post offices, night spots, prisons, hotels, bars and other areas that tend to attract large crowds or are business related. He also urged persons to desist from carrying large sums of money around with them, and instead encouraged them to use credit or debit cards. He noted that many people still insist on shuttling large sums of cash with them around town, making them prey for robbers.
Vyphuis warned that crime, and robbery in particular, in Guyana has become extremely organised, and said that there are several groups or gangs who construct elaborate plans to carry out their actions. As it relates to banks, cambios and even post offices, he stated that these locations are usually staked out by criminal elements, as they attempt to locate potential targets, later pouncing on hapless citizens.
The Commander admitted that during the past year, robberies in all categories have increased, and that it has become increasingly difficult to apprehend the perpetrators due to the use of fake licence plates on vehicles, surgical gloves to eliminate leaving fingerprints and masks to hide the identity of perpetrators. He indicated that though these are major challenges facing the forces, they nevertheless intend to cut criminal activities, rein in traffic lawlessness, and reduce the fear of theft, so that this Christmas shopping season can be as comfortable as possible for citizens.
Vyphuis stated that they intend to cordon the Bourda and Stabroek areas as well as place roadblocks in strategic locations, such as Dennis Street, Sophia and the back of the Botanical Gardens, to facilitate random cordon searches. He added that foot patrols will be instituted in every sector beginning very early in the morning and lasting way into the evening, catering for late shoppers. He added that on weekends, these patrols will last longer than those conducted during the regular week. The commander stated that Regent Street will be a priority during this time, and disclosed that outposts and foot patrols will be used to reassure the public.
The Commander also said that special arrangements will be made for patrolling riverain communities, as well as all seven sectors in ‘A’ Division on Christmas Eve, Christ-mas Day and Old Year’s Night.
Vyphuis said that Diamond, Grove and Agricola, located on the East Bank will also be given substantial attention. The commander revealed that a mobile outpost has already been positioned in Agricola and that mobile patrols will be carried out within the community around the clock, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours, to ensure that the eastern and western carriageways are not disrupted. Cognizant of the uneasy relationship between the police and this particular community, the commander related that they are currently undertaking programmes to improve their relationship. He stated that they have planned social activities for community youth groups, adding that a Christmas Party has been planned for the youths.
Vyphuis highlighted this year’s Christmas Village, which is to be held on Main Street from the 21st – 24th of December, and stated that there will be a strong police presence at the function to ensure order. He also made mention of the Chris Brown concert slated for the 26th of December, saying that “once this event becomes a reality the police will be prepared to work hard.” Finally, he made reference to both the Kashif and Shanghai and Banks DIH football finals, which are slated for January 1st 2012 at the National Stadium and the Guyana Football Ground, respectively, and assured that there will be a strong police presence at both of these locations
On the matter of the sale and use of squibs and the other forms of explosives, Vyphuis stated that “the use squibs are illegal, and anyone found selling or using squibs will be arrested, charged and placed before the courts.”
As it relates to traffic, Assistant Commissioner and Traffic Officer Brian Joseph stated that he anticipates a significant increase in traffic activity. As such, measures will be put in place to avoid any traffic disruptions.
Joseph warned that his department also intends to ensure obedience to the traffic laws, citing speeding, use of phones while driving and driving under the influence (DUI) as the main causes of accidents on the roadways. He stated that there have been 86 fatal accidents to date for 2012 which resulted in 94 deaths, and that though this year’s numbers to date are less than those experienced last year, they are expected to rise above the 2011 levels by the end of the year. He stated that “No Stopping” and “No Parking” signs will be erected in several locations well known for congestion.
Joseph stated that mobile patrols will be conducted day and night, and that there will be tow trucks on call to tow away any and all illegally parked vehicles. He also said that escorts will be provided for traffic coming from the highways to control speeding. In addition to these developments, Joseph said that the direction of several routes will be changed to alleviate the congestion that usually occurs.
Acting Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell took the opportunity to urge all ranks that will be involved in these operations to act in a highly professional manner, especially when interfacing with members of the public. He also shared that though the presentation provided information exclusively on ‘A’ Division, all other Commanders have adopted similar postures. “During this period we try to do confidence building and though we know we cannot stop crime we will try our utmost to suppress crime,” declared Brumell.
