Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Spanish Town

With murder and other crimes on the rise in the St. Catherine North division, a lack of resources is affecting the police, and the business community is demanding more.

Following the shooting death and robbery of businessman Roy Lee on Saturday, the police will be stretched even thinner over this festive season. Lee was opening his business place, Lee's Wholesale on King Street, Linstead, when he was shot by the three gunmen who robbed him of cash and his licensed gun.

"We need to let the business people feel a sense of security or the business will not stay around, police will be hard pressed," said Dennis Robothom, president of the St. Catherine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Commanding officer for the division, Superintendent Harry Daley, said the police will be redoubling their efforts to deal with crime.

"We have a team of policemen that will continue to do their best with the limited resources at our disposal," said Daley, adding that the police will not be daunted by acts of criminality.

THE STAR learned that there are only 380 police personnel in the division, with more than 400,000 individuals to police, and with 22 of the island's 140 crime 'hot spots' in St. Catherine North, the lawmen's job will not be easy.