Heat on criminals

NATIONAL Security Minister Martin Joseph yesterday launched the 555 Anti-Crime Initiative, at the Old Fire Service Station, Hart Street in Port-of-Spain. The 555 direct line is toll free and does not offer a reward as is the case with Crime Stoppers.

Joseph said the programme will enable citizens to provide direct information to the police utilising a secure and confidential telephone line. “Government has updated its crime scene management and investigation departments with the 39 British law enforcement officers, a 360-degree radar, the airship and two helicopters, in an aggressive modernisation programme,” Joseph said.

He emphasised that it was not a new crime plan and warned citizens to be aware that criminals under pressure will seek refuge in other communities. Joseph said the main element of the national crime fighting apparatus are the Homicide Prevention Working Group, the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, the Crime and Problem Analysis Unit, the Organised Crime Narcotic and Firearms Bureau, the Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago and the Gonzales Project.

High Commissioner of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ronald Nash said the 555 Anti-Crime Initiative was necessary along with the systems that are now being used in Trinidad to stop crime.

Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) President Gregory Aboud said the public has to assist in the fight against crime.