NASSAU, The Bahamas — The “successful” collaboration in the war on crime between officers of the Southwestern Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and business owners in the Southwestern District of New Providence has resulted in a 25 per cent drop in armed robberies in that area.
Minister of National Security the Hon. O.A. T. “Tommy” Turnquest said police statistics show that just 14 of the 83 Armed Robberies that have taken place in the southwestern district for the year to date have occurred at business places, a drop-off over the same period last year.
“While the number of incidents are still far too high, the 25 per cent reduction in armed robberies against businesses is a step in the right direction and is clearly a result of cooperation and collaboration,” Mr. Turnquest added.
Addressing business owners and residents attending the Southwestern Division Business Crime Prevention Symposium Monday, Mr. Turnquest said the collaboration includes good police work and the support of the business community – particularly those who have installed security surveillance systems and alarms.
“This, along with the hiring of security officers and the implementation of other security measures, has no doubt gone a long way in the prevention and detection of crime and has ultimately assisted the efforts of law enforcement tremendously,” Mr. Turnquest added.
Mr. Turnquest said the results achieved in the southwestern district, highlight the need for greater collaborations between the police, business owners, homeowners and residents throughout New Providence.
“The need for greater collaboration and shared responsibility in the fight against crime is essential,” Mr. Turnquest said.
“It is extremely important that we build and foster partnerships and relationships that will ultimately assist in reducing crime and the fear of crime within our country, particularly here on the island of New Providence,” Mr. Turnquest added.
The National Security Minister applauded the officers of the Southwestern Division and their community partners for “staging the symposium.”
“In addition to building a stronger relationship between law enforcement and the wider community, the purpose of this symposium is geared to bring stakeholders together in order to identify common crime trends,” M. Turnquest said.
“Hopefully, you will also be able to share ideas to collectively find appropriate solutions to dealing with issues associated with internal fraud and general theft. It is my hope that at the end of today’s symposium, you would have gained additional knowledge as well as practical initiatives and programmes that can minimise the chances of your business being targeted or, of you, as businesspersons, becoming a victim of crime,” Mr. Turnquest added.
By Matt Maura
Bahamas Information Services
