South police seize 179 guns for 2017

Police in the Southern Division yesterday boasted about being the only division to recover 179 guns, more than any other for 2017.

This was revealed by acting Supt Yusuff Gaffar at the weekly press briefing at the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain. Gaffar said the division had also seen a nine per cent reduction in reported serious crimes when compared to the same period in 2016.

He said the successes reflected on the hard-working, motivated, dedicated and inspiring police officers who went beyond what was expected of them in a bid to reduce crime, and reduce the fear of crime in the division. “These officers will be vigilant in identifying individuals who intend committing any breaches of the law.” He added, “Police officers have been instructed to target those who drive while under the influence of alcohol. For this year thus far, 285 people have been arrested and charged and taken before the court for this offence.

“In the southern division, citizens are not exempted from crime.

“However, police officers from ten police stations and posts, strategically positioned throughout the southern division, continue to battle, daily, with criminal elements, all in a bid to make our part of the country as safe as possible for all citizens to enjoy.”

Gaffer said some of the initiatives the division had implemented for the Christmas season included raising the visibility of uniformed and plainclothes officers at town centres and malls.

He also warned, “Law-abiding citizens may experience some discomfort in terms of traffic congestion during the execution of police exercises. I will like to apologise to you all in advance for any inconvenience you may experience, but it is necessary to make our nation a safer place.”