Nesbeth

Residents in Portmore, the still-growing densely populated St Catherine community, have expressed concern about a wave of break-ins this year.

Data from the statistical unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force show 119 cases of break-ins occurred last year. Up to July 2 this year, there have already been 86 cases.

Greater Portmore has been the main target of thieves, notching 63 cases. Bridge-port had eight, while Waterford and Caymanas Gardens recor-ded six and nine, respectively.

A resident of Portmore Pines told The Gleaner that an escalation of break-ins has caused her to live in fear. She has even had to move out of her house to live with relatives.

Security flaws

Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth, top cop at the Portmore Police Station, said, however, that break-ins were trending down after a spike three months ago.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commis-sioner of Police Leon Rose, who is in charge of the Area Five headquarters, said security flaws were partly to blame for the prevalence of crime in the residential and business district which has a population of 300,000.

"The types of security in place at these houses are a growing problem. Some of these houses are not grilled and most of the persons are working out," he said.

The police would be redoubling their efforts to rid the community of crime, said the assis-tant commissioner. Among the measures to battle the upsurge in break-ins, the police have boosted motorised patrols, particularly the use of motorbikes.

Residents' concerns that the break-ins were being spurred by the Clansman gang, a criminal network which has plagued nearby Spanish Town for several years, have been flatly denied by the Area Five chief.

"A number of persons have been taken into custody, some of whom are not residents of the area, but there is nothing to prove they are from Clansman gang or One Order (another Spanish Town gang)," said Rose.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com