Business Owners Encouraged to Invest in Security Safeguards for Their Establishments

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is encouraging business operators to invest in security safeguards for their establishments.

Head of the JCF’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Stephanie Lindsay, recommends that particular consideration be given to incorporating armed guards and installing surveillance cameras.

She was speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ on December 14.

The suggestions come against the background of Police concerns regarding the extent of robberies carried out at business establishments and the magnitude of heavy artillery used.

“What we are up against is not just a single person coming to rob, looking for an opportunity. We are up against organised criminal networks [that] are planning. When they come, they pretty much have a plan on how they are going to execute their plans,” SSP Lindsay noted.

Consequently, she said business owners “may want to consider improving the security at your business places for the [Christmas] season so that you have more fire power”.

“If you never used to use armed guards, it is something that you probably have to consider at this time of the year. We see where [members of] organised criminal networks… are moving in [significant] numbers. They have strong [arms and] ammunition, so they are able to use that,” SSP Lindsay added.

She also urges persons with security cameras installed at their premises to ensure these are working and in good condition.

“Even in this day and age, some persons are still operating with dummy cameras. Criminals are not afraid of cameras. We are asking you… [to] make sure that your cameras are working. Get your technicians to ensure they are working and are strategically placed,” the senior officer emphasised.

SSP Lindsay pointed out that properly functioning cameras will be able to capture images and provide footage which can be used by investigators in finding clues and, in some cases, identify persons carrying out crimes against business establishments.