Law enforcement officers have reported conducting a series of operations, over the past week, to apprehend offenders and other persons falling foul of the law.
Police reported that with an increase in reports of robbery involving students within the Marchand area, the Marchand Police Station increased its targeted patrols surrounding schools in the area.
On Thursday, about 3:00 p.m. during a mobile patrol, officers arrested 18-year-old Tyler Cools, of Trois Piton, Castries, for possession of an Imitation Firearm, suspected to have been utilised in the commission of several robberies. Cools was taken to court for bail, but he was however, remanded in custody, until December 29.
As the police continue investigating the matter, officers have been consulting with the impacted teachers, students and parents.
According to police sources, “The Marchand Police Station will continue its endeavours to create a safe environment for the students within the area, and will spear no effort to ensure that those responsible are brought before the court expeditiously.”
Meanwhile, the Northern Division (Gros Islet and Babonneau Police Station), along with the Bicycle Patrol Unit and Special Services Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force conducted several traffic related operations over a three-day period in the north of the island.
During the operations, a total of one hundred and eight-four (184) motor vehicles were processed. Officers issued twenty-seven (27) traffic tickets for various violations, including operating a motor vehicle without proper insurance, registration and valid licences or permits.
The officers also had cause to impound six motor vehicles for being in contravention of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act; Three outstanding warrants were also served on individuals located at vehicular check points. Additionally, one male individual was cautioned for disobedience to a Lawful Order and Obstruction.
The Northern Division and by extension, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force state that they remain resolute in their commitment to reduce crime and increase citizen security, and that , “These operations are a continued effort towards achieving our mandate.”
In related updates, the Police Marine Unit embarked on a series of patrols within the island’s territorial waters over the past month, geared towards securing the borders.
A total of 87 patrols were conducted by the unit, resulting in 106 vessels being boarded by officers. During these encounters, officers arrested eight foreign nationals and five Saint Lucian citizens. The officers processed individuals for five customs violations, including three cases of Undeclared Importation (vessels) and Undeclared Cargo. Fisheries related violations were also observed by officers, namely Illegal/ Unreported Fishing, resulting in a total of five thousand five hundred pounds of conch (lambi) being seized.
The Unit also participated in five search and rescue operations and responded to one drowning at Vigie Beach. Additionally, along with other law enforcement agencies, including the Saint Lucia Air and Seaport Authority (SLASPA), the Police Marine Unit conducted the International Ship and Port Security Patrols (ISPS). This included monitoring of every cruise ship which berthed during the period, ensuring harbour safety, as well as observing all activity/ traffic around the ships.
Their patrols extended to Soufriere, where no major incidents were recorded to date. Two meetings of stake holders and motor boat operators to regulate activities and ensure continued safe operations, were attended by members of the unit.
The Police Marine Unit continues its daily patrols around the island, to reduce the occurrences of illicit practices within Saint Lucia’s territorial waters.