Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 24, 2017 (RSCNPF): Ongoing efforts being undertaken by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force to ensure citizen safety and reduce the fear of crime in our communities are yielding results said Commissioner of Police Mr. Ian M. Queeley.
“Our responses to combat crime are yielding results, just to note, in May 2017 our Officers have taken nine (9) illegal firearms from our communities, and a total of twenty-two (22) for the year. Two (2) Illegal firearms were seized on May 8th, three (3) on May 10th, one (1) on May 12th, two (2) on May 13th and one (1) on May 20th. And we have seen a conviction recently related to firearms, where the persons received a three (3) year sentence,” said Commissioner Mr. Ian M. Queeley.
“Our Operational Tempo is high, our Officers are conducting more stop and searches, more patrols in areas of concerns, we have increased vehicular checkpoints, random and targeted stop and searches of persons of interest and vehicles.”
Commissioner Queeley went on to share, “the execution of search warrants on the persons who are suspected of criminal activity and on properties suspected of being used to facilitate such activity are more evident, and these increased searches have resulted in the gathering of a significant amount of information giving insight into ongoing investigations, and some of these seizures.”
The Commissioner noted that the Police seized a total of 36 illegal firearms in 2016 and a total of 21 in 2015.
Commissioner Queeley added, “Despite our successes we are still concerned about the incidents of gun related crimes, and we continue to develop strategies to address this.” He added, “increased presence in our communities, the embrace and use of technology such as CCTV, are proving to be beneficial,” and reaffirmed, the Police’s commitment to ensuring Citizen Safety, ” The Police will continue to do its part in fostering an environment where our citizens can feel safe in their homes and businesses.”
Commissioner Queeley also echoed the call for community partnership and support and said, , “We cannot do it alone, and will require the partnership of all in the community. Together we can ensure that St. Kitts and Nevis remain a safe place to live, work and visit. Let’s do it together.”
