By Aaron Humes: The Belize Police Department has launched an enhanced anti-crime operation across the city, following a surge in violent incidents over the past few days. This move comes as authorities grapple with a concerning trend of increased criminal activity nearing year’s end.
There has been a series of alarming incidents, including the shooting deaths of a 61-year-old Wayne “Pie Bwai” Myles, and a 15-year-old boy, Eric Reyes. Reyes, who was shot and left for dead, had been caring for his paralyzed mother and younger sibling, with his father providing occasional support.
Staff Officer Assistant Superintendent of Police, Stacy Smith, emphasized the department’s commitment to fighting crime against young and old: “What we have seen over the past few days are incidents that involve persons who fall directly into these categories [older people and young people] in terms of the shooting death of Mr Myles, 61 years old though he was very agile and he was out there, he was a person who was up in the age and now we also see the shooting of the very young 15 year old Reyes. The department remains resolute in its commitment to fighting crime, and we continue to implore members of the general public to cooperate with us.”
As the Christmas season approaches, authorities are keenly aware of the potential for increased criminal activity. They advise citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The police department has also developed strategic plans to address the situation, ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors alike, per ASP Smith: “As it stands now the police department has already commenced its anti-crime operation and we have taken persons who were traditionally in the administrative roles to put more persons in the street in the hopes that this serves the deterrence purpose that it is intended to serve. We have also divided some operational strategic plans which will be seen over the days and weeks to come because as we know as the year is winding down these incidents, whether it is property crime, or as the trend is suggesting now an increase in criminal activity, though no nexus has been established between all these incidents, it is certainly a cause for concern, and we certainly want the Belizean populace to feel comfortable and secure while celebrating the Christmas season.”
ASP Smith also issued some advice concerning minors on the street during this season: “…the general take away in terms of minors being out on the street, or anybody being out on the street we don’t want to create a state of panic or a state of concern but if it is that you do not have any need to be out on the street do not do so, but we also ask that persons who are out on the street be their brother’s keeper and report any suspicious activity that they see.”
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By Aaron Humes: The Belize Police Department has launched an enhanced anti-crime operation across the city, following a surge in violent incidents over the past few days. This move comes as authorities grapple with a concerning trend of increased criminal activity nearing year’s end. There has been a series of alarming incidents, including the shooting
The post Police strengthen anti-crime operation as City reels from murder spree appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
