Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter

WESTERN BUREAU:

Heavily armed men invaded sections of Norwood in St. James on Tuesday night, terrorising scores of residents and stealing their valuables.

Reports reaching The Gleaner are that robberies were carried out by at least 16 men, all of whom were armed with high-powered weapons, including AK-47s.

The robbers, who also fired shots wantonly, forced their way into houses between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., taking small quantities of cash, jewellery, clothing and household items from victims.

When contacted for comment, crime officer for St. James, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Meveral Smith, was evasive in his answers.

"I am not prepared to discuss that," he responded.

Up to press time, only six official complaints had been filed with the police, who say that the likely charges arising from the incident include larceny, burglary, and malicious destruction of property.

During the robbery spree, a couple was awakened by the intruders, who removed the mattress from their bed, placed it on the woman, before jumping up and down on it.

DSP Smith, who was transferred to the police division in March, was not prepared to state how many houses were targeted by the gunmen.

nagra.plunkett@gleanerjm.com