Police issue strong warning to criminals in Grange Hill, Westmoreland

By Nakinskie Robinson    

 

Amid a spike in killings and shootings in Grange Hill, Westmoreland, Commissioner of Police Dr. Kevin Blake visited the area on Friday and issued a stern warning to would-be criminals, wreaking havoc in the community.

 

The police chief met with students and school administrators at Grange Hill High School on Friday, just over a week after two students - male and female - were shot upon leaving a sports day event at the institution.

 

The police had confirmed that the male student, who succumbed to his injuries, was the target of the attack.

 

Dr. Blake urged students and those in earshot not to get involved in illicit activities.

 

He also encouraged the gathering not to allow Grange Hill to be overrun by hoodlums.

 

He said the current police team has been carefully crafted to stamp out criminal elements in hotspots across Westmoreland. 

 

"For the first part of the year we had a very marginal increase, but in March we have seen a significant spike and subsequently we had responded. In addition to that we have had a change in command. We have given you someone who is no stranger to the space, Superintendent Othneil Dobson. His previous role was in a formation that has national importance. But so important was what is happening here, we had to ensure that we had the right person," said the commissioner. 

 

He noted that checkpoints have been set up across the parish to catch criminals, some of whom usually travel by motorcycle. 

 

Dr. Blake said the police have seized a number of motorcycles which has significantly impacted criminal operations. 

 

The police chief added that members from the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch will have an active presence at Grange Hill High School and across the community.

 

He said measures are in place to safeguard students and children.