Gangs imprisoning some communities with violence – Montague

National Security Minister Robert Montague is calling for communities across Jamaica to stop supporting gangs as it comes at a great cost.

Addressing the first Annual Policing and Regional Security Conference  in St Andrew yesterday, Montague said gangs have imprisoned some communities with violence that leave families grieving, businesses destroyed and people brutally killed.

He said gangs thrive because some communities view them as modern day Robin Hoods who protect them from opposing gangs.

However, Montague emphasised that dismantling criminal gangs and degrading them are the keys to the anti-crime initiative.

He said the problem of gangs is the manifestation of a wider problem of lawlessness and the breakdown of social values essential to building a civilised and productive society.