The general public is showing increasing signs of fear after reports of a spate of rapes and robberies in the past two months, according to a top police official.
“Of late, a lot of focus has been put on crime and rape; this goes a long way in jacking up the fears in society, and sometimes that is unnecessary,” said Reginald Ferguson, assistant commissioner of police.
“The press has a duty and a job, and I appreciate the press as a substantial part of the building of our Bahamas – the fourth estate if you may – but we have to be very careful when we do what we have to do.”
He said the Royal Bahamas Police Force has recognized that fears are at a heightened level, and said the press has “contributed quite a bit to that.”
Both Commissioner Ferguson and President of the Professional Security Association of the Bahamas , Baron Rodgers, said an increase in crime during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season is expected.
Mr. Rodgers, who is also Chairman and CEO of Maximum Security and Patrol Services Ltd. said, “Our intelligence over the past ten years has shown us that when you see the end of August/beginning of September, generally you would see an increase in crime. That’s when the bad boys are now preparing and looking for opportunities and ways to get money to do Christmas shopping.”
Mr. Ferguson added that, “We are geared and always have our contingency plans in place to deal with the situation, and certainly would not allow it to get out of hand. We are on top of the situation. “We are detecting, investigating, arresting, and bringing people to justice.”
But while many are learning of criminal acts by way of media reports, others are receiving warnings from victims across the Internet.
One piece of cyber mail warns residents not to open their doors for strangers – even those seeking help in times of emergencies.
Another advises women to exercise added precaution, especially women who live alone.
A few days ago, police spokesman Superintendent Hulan Hanna gave advice of his own, telling members of the public who may be overly fearful while going home at nights that they may seek A police escort if they wish.
He also said that homeowners should spear no expense when it comes to securing their premises.
Whether or not the fear is blown out of proportion, police recognize that it exists.
Some religious leaders are equally concerned about crime.
One pastor, who sent a news release to reporters over the weekend asking that rapists be treated as murderers, on reflection, asked to withdraw his statement because he feared for his safety and that of his family.
And Bishop Ian Strachan of Soul Winners House of Prayer is counting his blessings, after a pipe bomb planted behind his gas tank last weekend, was discovered before it could explode.
Police say they have made a significant dent in the crime situation, particularly the spree that was reported over the last month.
Last week, three men were charged before the courts in connection with a number of crimes, including rape, armed robbery and kidnapping.
And today, two men were expected to be charged in connection with a shooting and robbery at a Coral Lakes home. One of those men was also expected to be charged in relation to a break-in at the home of Rev. Timothy Stewart. Rev. Stewart and his wife were terrorized in the incident.
