The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

A TURF war between rival gangs has made crime in the Fleming Street area worse than ever before, it was revealed during a police walk-about yesterday.

Around 20 police officers took part in the exercise in an effort to reassure residents of the area, just off Market Street, of their commitment to keeping the peace.

During the walk-about, Superintendent Stephen Dean told The Tribune: “There has been two sets of shooting at Fleming Street recently so we’ve come to visit the area and talk to residents about our commitment to ensuring their safety.”

But while some residents expressed their confidence in the officers, others said they are still afraid to go on living there.

Brad Shaw, a resident of Fleming Street, said: “One has to be upset about all the crime in the area because every day you think it could be you and your family. This is the worst I’ve ever seen it. I support the police but I believe the problem is that they aren’t getting the support of the courts.”

Krystal Williams, described her horror at seeing men with guns running through her yard.

“We saw random people running through the yard recently and they fired shots in it,” she said.

“We are afraid. We have children. The police need to patrol around more and find jobs for the boys to do and provide counselling services for people like me who don’t have any jobs and want to hang their self.”

Another resident, Valarie Wilkenson, warned that she is prepared to throw acid on anyone who fired shots in her yard.

She said: “See what I have to do? I have to put up a gate to keep away all the boys who shoot up my yard a month and two weeks ago.

“Every day they pass through here because they out on bail. They had an issue with my husband and came to shoot up this place. I have acid in my house and I want them to come back through here and see what I will do.”

Another resident said: “The officers know who the bad guys are, but they aren’t doing anything to get rid of them.”

In response to questions about crime around the island, one officer said: “These treaties are killing us.” He was blaming agreements the government has made to comply with international standards of policing.

“From my understanding,” said the officer, “it is a turf war going on between two rival gangs in the Fleming Street area.”

Despite the anxiety over crime, police highlighted positive stories during the walk-about.

As a recent graduate of St Bede’s Primary School, Michaela Brown, received numerous phone cards as a prize for winning their “Positive Tickets Award” which is given to highlight positive accomplishments.

Inspector Roderick McKenzie also told The Tribune that his Urban Renewal branch is hosting a luncheon for all parents in the Englerston community at 10am today in an effort to encourage parents and to establish stronger relationships with them.