Seizure of firearms up from last year

Speaking at the weekly press briefing hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) at its Police Administration Building in Port-of-Spain yesterday, Public Information Officer, ASP Michael Pierre said the fact that more firearms have been recovered also suggests that there is more still to be found.

Pierre said that in their effort to remove firearms off the streets and reduce violent crimes in this country, they will continue to sensitise the public of the dangers of firearms, and how members of the public can partner with the TTPS to deal with the scourge.

Meanwhile, Head of the Tobago Division, Ag Snr Supt Joanne Archie noted that there has been no increase of crime on the island.

She said Tobago’s detection rate for crime stands at 25 percent, and the organisation’s target is 30 percent.

“We have arrested 33 persons for breakings,” Archie said.

“This is an area we have a little challenge with. We have nine firearms seizures for the year so far and, while it may sound like a small figure, it certainly is not an indication of our efforts. We have also had a slight increase in woundings and some of those arose out of small disputes and domestic incidents,” she explained.

Archie said they have had one murder for the year and it is one too many. “We have been working and have a close partnership with the key stakeholders on the island such as the Hoteliers Association, the reef boats owners and the businessmen to ensure we maintain Tobago’s status as a land of paradise,” she said.

However, Archie said they would like to see more resources placed into acquiring scanners for the Scarborough Port.