Cops using predawn raids to target robbers

Western Bureau:

The sub-officer in charge of the Mt Salem Police Station in St James is now using predawn operations as one of his main strategies in apprehending criminals who have been engaging in a spate of robberies and break-ins over recent months.

During a recent St James Police Division briefing, Detective Sergeant Michael Chisholm said he was using predawn raids as the primary method of targeting robbers.

In fact, Chisholm said the method was already reaping some success based on one operation carried out on New Year's Day, which saw a significant number of stolen items being recovered during raids on several homes in and around the Mt Salem community.

The recovered items included cell phones, laptops, flat-screen television sets, shoes, car keys, wallets, watches, jewellery, and Internet modems.

During the New Year's Day operation, a man identified as Lando Hall, who is believed to be one of the masterminds in the robbery spree, was arrested and charged in connection with some of the stolen items.

The police said two other men are being sought.

"We are seeking one Odago Johnson and a man known only as Baba, who are plaguing the Mt Salem area, which consist of the West Gate Hills and the Rose Heights area," said Chisholm. "We are asking that they turn themselves in at the Mt Salem Police Station."

CALL TO VIEW STOLEN ITEMS

He is asking persons who have been recent victims of robbery to visit the police station with a view of finding out if any of the recovered items belong to them.

"People who had things stolen from them, whether by their houses being broken into or they were held up and robbed, are being asked to come to the Mt Salem Police Station and see if they can identify things which would be their property," said Chisholm.

According to Chisholm, he is fully aware that there are many more stolen items left to be recovered. He, however, stated that, with the backing his team is getting from Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Steve McGregor, the commanding officer for St James, they plan to stay relentless in their efforts to hunt down and apprehend those involved in illicit activities in that police division.

"They have been doing a good job in terms of the raids and the recovery of stolen items ... . They are giving yeoman service and they have my full support," said McGregor, in voicing his support for the initiative.