The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

COMMISSIONER of Police Ellison Greenslade said patrols have been beefed up for the Christmas season in light of the recent spike in armed robberies.

According to police statistics, armed robberies have increased by 18 per cent for the first three quarters in 2012 compared to the same period last year – from 804 to 951.

Mr Greenslade also said more and more businesses are writing to him requesting permission to have off duty police officers works as security guards. He also sent a warning to would-be thieves to “think again” before attempting to rob an establishment this Christmas season.

“Businesses have been writing my office and they have also been seeking our advice and guidance. We have a Private Fees Engagement Act so members of the police force that are off duty can return to work, fully armed with police resources and turn up at a legitimate business with the full support and approval of the commissioner and work a full shift,” he said.

“That has been a tremendous benefit for businesses and for members of the organisation and it is something I applaud and something that is managed from my office. I am very pleased with the way it is being conducted.

“Anyone in this country that assumes there is going to be easy pickings and you plan on turning up to a bank, a business establishment or any public place where people are shopping got the holidays, you are going to find yourselves in serious problems. The laws are very very clear. Guns are illegal and the only people authorised to have them are police officers.”

“The commissioner is not going to sugar coat that. I am not going to make excuses or apologies. I am armed everyday you see me and I am trained to use a weapon.

“We are not going to allow out Bahamian public to be held hostage by a core group of offenders who do not wish to find gainful employment. If you take upon your self a weapon or dangerous instruments with a view to hurting someone there is a good chance you may be walking into a police officer.”

Mr Greenslade also urged members of the public to continue to assist the police “because the life you save can be yours”.

“We continue to appeal to the public and ask them to tell us about these persons who are committing these armed robberies because we know they are residing in the communities where we live. There are people who know who they are and we ask them to please turn them in,” he said.

“Any person with a gun is a very dangerous person. That armed robbery that looks like a simple armed robbery could go very very wrong and easily turn into a murder.

“So that gun you have seen before and refuse to report might just be the weapon turned on you at some point or someone near and dear to you.

“This is a very very difficult thing and we are asking for the public’s support. Put down the guns. It’s going to cause your death or someone you love or someone else loves and it is giving the country a black eye,” he said.