The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama police were out on the streets in full force yesterday as part of a nationwide police operation launched to increase visibility to deter crime and to ensure COVID-19 protocols are being followed.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Solomon Cash, the officer in charge of crime management and criminal investigation, said the police force noticed an “uptick in certain categories of crime” in the country.

In Grand Bahama, police road checkpoint exercises were conducted at strategic locations throughout the island from 8.30am and throughout the day. Officers were also visible in the commercial and shopping areas.

ACP Cash led a team of officers on a road check exercise at East Sunrise Highway and Coral Road.

He told reporters that Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle noticed an uptick in certain categories of crime and launched simultaneous police operations in all islands as a result.

“It speaks to prevention and reduction of crime, and we also looked at public and road safety, which is paramount. Today those plans are carried out throughout The Bahamas,” ACP Cash said.

Police are encouraging members of the public to adhere to road safety laws and regulations.

“We also want persons to be cognizant of the pandemic that we are currently going through and to follow protocols as it relates to COVID-19 regulations,” he added.

ACP Cash said police would be pursuing people who intend to commit crimes and are involved in criminal activity.

“We are out at strategic checkpoints, and we will be walking in various communities and interacting with the public,” he added.

He encouraged the public to cooperate and partner with the police.

“The (members of) public are our friends, and we want them to work with us; we encourage them to assist the police in policing their own areas,” he said.

“Additionally, we want the public to know if there are any challenges in their communities to bring it to the police’s attention because we are here to serve and assist you.”

ACP Cash acknowledged that it is very challenging for all Bahamians at this time.

“This is something we have never gone through in our lifetime. We are not all about arresting people. We don’t want to resort to arresting people. We want to encourage people to behave so we can get through this pandemic in a civil way,” he said.

When asked whether there have been any issues concerning establishments not adhering to the 10pm curfew, ACP Cash said that he was not aware that.

“If that is happening, I can assure you we have a covert team on GB who will deal with those establishments. And if anyone knows of these establishments, we are asking people to report that to us,” he said.