HEAD OF THE St. Catherine South Police Division, Superintendent Terrence Bent, wants Portmore residents to start bushing their communities as a method of preventing criminals from using them as a hiding place.
Superintendent Bent made this request because of past experiences.
"I made this call based on my experience as a policeman. Bushes are used by criminals who hide before and after they commit their crimes," said Superintendent Bent.
Superintendent Bent first asked residents to keep their areas clear of bushes at a St. Catherine South Neighbourhood Watch Council meeting in March. Yesterday, during an interview with THE PORTMORE STAR, he made the call again.
"To me when the residents do this they are being proactive rather than reacting to a situation. Whenever an area is overgrown with bushes it is only a matter of time before criminals start using as an excuse to commit crimes," said Superintendent Bent.
The superintendent could not say offhand how many reports the police has received about criminals using the bushes as a getaway. But, PORTMORE STAR checks show it has happened in the past.
In 2004, a man was severely chopped by men along the Dyke Road who used the bushes along the road to escape. Then, earlier this year, Portmore Villa residents said thieves were using the bushes in the community as a cover to rob them.
Superintendent Bent adds too that clearing the areas of bushes is also healthy as it keeps away mosquitoes and other pests from the communities.
"Apart from the social problems there are also health risks associated with bushy areas such as mosquitoes and that's why we are making this call," said Superintendent Bent.
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