Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Trinidad government steps up fight against crime

Friday, May 26, 2006

by: Stephen Cummings
Caribbean Net News Trinidad Correspondent
Email: stephen@caribbeannetnews.com

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: The Patrick Manning-led administration in Port of Spain, Trinidad has taken further measures to clamp down on criminal activity on the island.

On Wednesday a new crime fighting initiative was launched by the National Security Ministry dubbed the "555 Anti Crime Fighting Initiative".

Speaking at the launch , National Security Minister Martin Joseph said the initiative is an attempt to get the citizens more actively involved in reporting crimes, by providing direct information to the police utilizing a secure and confidential telephone line.

Minister Joseph noted that the new "555 Anti Crime Initiative" was in no way a new crime plan, but rather a public access component, which his Ministry is now in a position to launch because the other critical elements that are now in place to ensure its success .

Minister Joseph also stated that the initiative will not replace the Country's Crime Stoppers Programme, although there may be similarities.

However, he said it will not be driven by monetary reward like Crime Stoppers, but by a consistent appeal to the patriotic commitment of the public.

In another anti-crime fighting move on Wednesday the Port of Spain Down Town Owners and Merchants Association also commissioned 16 security video cameras on Charlotte street, one of the country's busiest shopping areas.

Charlotte street which runs parallel to Fredrick and Henry Streets to the east has been one of the crime hotspots which is now engaging the attention of the authorities.

Down Town Owners and Merchants Association, President, Gregory Aboud told reporters the installation of the surveillance cameras would serve the intended purpose as those used in the capturing of suspects at the London bombings.

The latest moves also follow a recent injection of 39 British law enforcement officers, two airships, a 360-degree radar system, along with other up-graded areas of the national Security service.

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