Police beef up patrols for Christmas

It’s that time of year for new curtains and linoleum, exchanging gifts, and putting up the Christmas tree. But it is also the time of year when Belize’s resilient corps of robbers, burglars, and all-purpose thieves grow aggressive in their quest for holiday cheer of their own. Today police in Belize City used the example of a successful bust to highlight their own plans for the season.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

The one cellular phone and assortment of jewellery were stolen over the course of a month in Belize City. The hot items were all discovered at one location after police arrested two men in connection with the crime.

Authorities strongly suspect that the accused Mark Anthony Conorquie and a fifteen-year-old minor are part of a ring that has been committing several robberies and burglaries. Two months ago, the police heightened their efforts and this evening their annual Christmas anti-crime campaign was launched. Assistant Commissioner of Police and the Commander of the Eastern Division, Maureen Leslie, says we should expect to see a seventy five percent increase in mobile and foot patrols.

Asst. Commissioner Maureen Leslie, Commander, Eastern Div.

“That should saturate the city, especially around the shopping areas, so that people who are doing their Christmas shopping will see the presence of the police and therefore feel much, much safer.”

While we should not expect to see a police presence at every street corner, experience has shown that the campaign has had some positive effects.

Assistant Commissioner Maureen Leslie

“We have received calls from businesses houses saying that the officers are seen going to their places, walking through, just talking to the managers and just their mere presence has alleviated some of their concerns.”

Leslie appeals to the public to continue to use the 911 and 922 crime hotline numbers as such actions allow the police to make quick arrests. Meanwhile, if you have been a victim of a recent hold-up or robbery and recognise one of these stolen items as yours, please contact the police.

Leslie says the public should also be aware that traffic patrols have been increased in the city and on the highways.