Thefts and police inaction plaguing bars

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I write with grave concern about the recent spate of thefts of American roulette boxes from bars, which seem to have been occurring in a targeted manner for a protracted period. What is even more concerning is the lack of police response to these crimes, which seem to be happening with alarming frequency, and with little or no consequence for the perpetrators.

It is clear that these crimes are being carried out with a great deal of planning and organisation, as if the thieves seem to have little difficulty in breaking into the bars and making off with the roulette boxes. And yet, despite the seriousness of these crimes, there has been no announced police response, nor any precautionary warning or advice to the general public.

This lack of action by the police is deeply troubling, and it is hard not to wonder whether it is linked to the fact that these bars are often operated by poorer-class, or less affluent, Jamaicans. This is not only unjust, but it is also a dereliction of duty on the part of the police, who are supposed to be tasked with protecting all Jamaican citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status.

It is time for the police to take these crimes seriously and to put measures in place to prevent them from happening in the future. We cannot continue to allow criminals to run rampant in our communities, targeting the most vulnerable and the least able to defend themselves. The police must do their part to ensure that justice is served, and that those responsible for these crimes are brought to book.

DEE MAC