Head of the St Catherine South Police Division, Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth, said the acquisition of seven new vehicles will significantly improve service in the Sunshine City.

"These vehicles will work to the betterment of policing in Portmore as they are new, and will help us to patrol, intercept and conduct operations in the area where drugs, guns and murder are common place," said Nesbeth.

The superintendent told The Gleaner that the St Catherine South fleet has been bolstered with five Suzuki motor cars and two Ford Ranger pickups.

"Even with a depleted and defective fleet, we were able to seize 70 illegal guns to date and these new vehicles can only help us to move forward," said the cop, whose division has been trying to put a lid on growing crime concerns.

His views were echoed by subofficer in charge of transport, Sergeant Ainsworth Jones, who said plans have been put in place for optimal use.

"The vehicles will be placed in zones. There are five zones, one for each car, while the two SUVs will work in-between," said Jones.

"This is to get maximum result from taxpayers' money. The duties will continue on a 24-hour-per-day basis and the vehicles will be working strictly in Portmore, unless there is dire need for anything else."

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com