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Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 09, 2015 ): The High Command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force updated the public on results from ongoing operations to curb crime and enhance public safety in the Federation during a live interview on ZIZ Radio today (July 9).

The 30 minute program hosted by ZIZ News, Jason Davis featured Acting Commissioner of Police, Stafford Liburd, accompanied by Assistant Commissioner for Crime Ian Queeley and Assistant Commissioner for Operations Vaughan Henderson who sought to reassure residents that “St. Kitts and Nevis remains a safe place to live, work, visit and conduct business.”

“The vast majority of our people in the federation are hardworking, law abiding citizens, who go to work, take care of their families and contribute to the growth of our nation,” acting Commissioner Liburd stressed. “However, there are a few bad apples in the bunch, who have chosen to live a life of crime. We will not allow these bad apples to spoil, tarnish or disrupt normal life in the federation.”

Giving an overview of ongoing crime fighting actions ACP Henderson, who heads the Force’s Operations Department, the wing responsible for the on the ground execution of the crime fighting policy said, “Over the last months, and in particular the last few weeks, the police force has continued its joint operations with the defence force and the customs departments. We have also engaged the various tactical units of the force in a variety of operations; we have had an increase in our inteligence led policing activities and have conducted over 130 vehicle stop and searches around the islands main roads.

ACP Henderson, also highlighted that there has been an increase in mobile and foot patrols in many areas, beefed up directed patrols in hot spots and increased residence searches. Additionally, over 60 abandoned house and vacant lots have been searched, over 38 derelict vehicles were searched in various neighbourhoods; increased stop and searches with over 80 individual random searches conducted over the period.

“If you are a criminal, you should feel very uncomfortable to carry a gun or any offensive weapon. You are likely to be stopped and searched randomly,” he said with confidence.

The police said they will continue efforts to increase visibility in the community, via community walk-throughs and the deployment of the mobile command unit and expressed confidence in their community policing efforts.

“We believe our renewed connection with the community will go a long way and have gone a long way in getting the much desired information to help solve crimes” said the group.

The High Command also thanked the hard working police officers for their dedication and commitment, noting that they and their families have continued to put “country above self.”