The “high season” of Belize’s tourism industry is in effect, and with the surge of arrivals, the presence of the San Pedro Police Department (SPPD) has increased. Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott says that the SPPD has developed tactics aimed at deterring crime in San Pedro Town.
“My way of leading will be different, and you will see the effectiveness of that policing. Everything has been improving, and the type of rigorous patrol stops and searches has been upgraded. I cannot say that criminals haven’t stepped up their game, but the police have also stepped up to the plate to have a safer island for everyone,” said Jemmott.
According to him, crime is not just the police’s problem, it is a community problem. He states that the Neighborhood Watch programs throughout Ambergris Caye also remain one of the most effective crime prevention programs. “With more active participation from residents, we are preventing crime, one neighborhood at a time. When our neighbors look out for one another, it can decrease the number of property crimes such as burglaries, drug trafficking, and theft in a neighborhood,” said Jemmott.
Jemmott has a better vision for San Pedro, and he will continue to work along with his fellow officers to tackle crime on the island. In addition, he is planning to have police patrol around the beaches and parks, where oftentimes adults tend to loiter. “For those people just lounging around at these certain areas, doing nothing, we are planning to get them off of the island. Everyone knows that it is costly to live in San Pedro, and that you have to have some sort of income to be here. If you don’t have proof of income, that means that you are probably doing something illegal,” says Jemmott.
In the meantime, he wants to emphasize to the public that personal safety and security is paramount. Police are advising residents that they control whether they become victims of crimes of opportunity, especially during the holiday season. They are encouraging people to be vigilant in preventing crime by: being in well-lit areas, locking all doors and windows of their homes/apartments, securing vehicles and motor engines, monitoring valuables, and being aware of their surroundings.
The SPPD hopes that with joint community effort, crime on the island will be alleviated. The department encourages islanders to always report any suspicious activities in their areas by calling 206-2022.
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