Top Cop calls for more support

POLICE COMMISSIONER Hilton Guy yesterday appealed to the public to work with the police to deal with kidnappings, the solving of murders and the illicit drug trade when he addressed a meeting of the Port-of-Spain Rotary Club at the Queens Park Oval.

Guy said crime cannot be dealt with by the police alone and required the support of the public. He said that up to yesterday there had been 60 murders — 17 in January, 15 in February, 25 in March and three for this month so far. The police have been able to solve 20 of those murders.

Guy also revealed that the majority of murders were the result of the illegal drug trade and domestic violence, adding that support from the various communities was urgently needed to assist the police reducing the murder rate. The Commissioner said that the illicit drugs, heroin and ecstasy, are now coming unto the country, packaged to resemble a vitamin or a tablet for the common cold. He called on parents of teenagers to be very vigilant and observe their children when they are taking tablets. He warned that the  police officers will taker strong action against persons caught distributing these drugs. On the question of kidnapping, Guy advised members of the business community to be vigilant when driving to their homes and said anyone who suspects he or she is being followed should drive to the nearest police station. The Commissioner reiterated that paying ransoms is not a guarantee that the victim will be released.