The Tribune

IN THIS column yesterday – with crime rising daily — we suggested that government follow the example of Jamaica and the Caymans by inviting a number of British detectives to The Bahamas to assist our Commissioner and his officers in getting crime under control.

After three years in power, it is obvious that the Christie government has no secret formula — and never did have, despite election promises — to reduce crime. The press has been concentrating on murders, even ignoring the shootings that — no thanks to the gunman — did not end in death. And home invasions have generally been overlooked.

It is conceded that murders are up — this year has the questionable distinction of holding the record for the highest number of murders in our history with still a month and a few days to complete the year. However, according to the police, crime overall is down. It has been some time since we have had a crime report with an analysis of crime figures, but until we see that report, judging by the complaints coming in daily, we do not believe that crime is down. As a result of rising unemployment, we think that crime is steadily climbing. We are now hearing of cases that are not included in the police’s daily crime report to the press.

We are not accusing the police of suppressing crime news. In fact, we are impressed by the long hours that Assistant Superintendent Stephen Dean and his team work getting these reports out. All during the night and well into the morning hours, our computer beeps alert us that another police report is being transmitted. These are usually reports of officers rushing to the latest murder scene. We can only conclude that the crime sheet is so long that only the most serious crimes are being reported to the press.

Today, there are whole sections of our community whose residents have sleepless nights as they anticipate the next break-in. They leave early for work in the morning fearful of what they will find on their return at the end of the work day. Usually, everything they have worked for has been destroyed in their absence by youthful criminals. Many of these criminals are those who, even in the good times, prefer to sit on walls, smoking pot and living off the labour of their fellow Bahamians who earn an honest living. With unemployment rising, they are now being joined by those who steal in order to live.

San Souci is an area that has suffered from constant break-ins over the past year. It seems that no matter what they do, either they or their neighbour has a tale to tell of a home invasion. Their cars are stolen, their valuables are taken and what is not taken is damaged.

Last night, a young man, almost a nervous wreck from his unpleasant experiences this year, went to bed last night with a security guard and trained dog guarding his home.

When he was leaving for work early yesterday morning, his neighbour told him that he saw someone go into his yard, and inspect his truck. The neighbour believes that the thief was trying to steal the truck’s battery. However, when the thief saw the neighbour, he beat a hasty retreat, speeding off in a waiting car.

This was the last straw to a series of break-ins to this home. By nightfall, a security guard and his dog were hired and were on all-night duty.

At 5am on Monday, this same young man was wakened by breaking glass. The glass in his front door had been smashed and his window forced out. He believes they were frightened when he turned on his lights. Again they sped off.

Two months earlier, over a holiday weekend, his truck was stolen during the night.

About three months ago, someone broke into his home. Although they did not get much this time, they did a lot of damage to the house. He was again at work on this occasion.

His first encounter with criminals came either in February or March of this year. Again on this occasion, it was during the day when he was at his office. On this occasion they drove off with his computer, iPad and watch.

Today, he and his neighbours are at their wits’ end. They don’t know what to do. The police arrive, they take notes, but the crime continues. No one has the answers, least of all the politicians.

These San Souci residents now know that they are on their own and that they have to protect themselves.

It is understood that they plan to come together to explore the possibility of erecting cameras throughout the area so that they will have a constant eye on their homes while they are at work during the day and when they are asleep at night.

Something has to be done and done urgently, because neighbourhoods will become dangerous if citizens eventually have to arm themselves for their own protection and that of their family.

The politicians, as they don’t have the secret crime-buster that they promised, would be well advised to send for outside help to assist our overworked police force in getting these criminal behind bars for the protection of all of our communities.