COMMANDER of Police ‘B’ Division, Assistant Commissioner George Vyphuis is to meet with members of the three Chambers of Commerce in Berbice, on the importance of security at their respective business premises.

He gave the undertaking in the wake of a crime upsurge which he attributed to the unemployment of persons who do not want to work hard and are greedy.

Apart from the business community, Vyphuis is also soliciting the assistance of social services, churches and other religious organisations to help in the crime fight.

He spoke at a media briefing, last Friday, at the Divisional Headquarters in New Amsterdam, following reports of robberies committed on Geddes Grant in the town and Arjune Poultry Supplies at Sheet Anchor, East Canje.

“Business entities in Berbice must ensure that there is a security presence at their premises, even if it is a guard with a baton,” Vyphuis advised.

He acknowledged the police responsibility but pointed out that they cannot be present at every shop.

“Our commitment is to put systems in place to deal with crimes when they are committed. We have to monitor persons released for jail. It must be noted that the persons who were involved in the Rose Hall Bank robbery are back out on the streets. We have increased our presence at the Berbice River Bridge and I have told the sub-divisional officers and the inspectors that they have to go out on the roadways.

“We cannot tell only the junior ranks to go,’ Vyphuis said.

He said bandits are choosing the victims who are most vulnerable and locations to which they believe the Police cannot readily respond.

Remarking on recent incidents, the Berbice Crime Chief, Superintendent Marlon Chapman said the robberies took place where the robbers knew there were large amounts of money.

He noted that there is an increase in gun related robberies and lamented the poor support from victims who have failed to identify attackers at identification parades.

Alluding to the old practice of identifying a suspect by touching the individual, Chapman said fear may be the reason some criminals are not fingered.

However, he is optimistic that, with the Police Reform Programme in place, the room for that purpose will be fitted with a one way mirror, allowing for a robber to be identified without seeing his/her accuser.

With respect to the unsolved double murder of Alexis George called Keisha, 17 and Nekeshia Rouse also known as Nicky, 25, who were discovered dead minutes apart, with stab wounds on their necks, at Smythfield, New Amsterdam, on

February 15, Chapman said he is optimistic the crimes will be solved.

Other officers responsible for various departments and sub-divisions also spoke to the media, including on community policing groups (CPGs) and their roles, community meetings in relation to youth clubs and scouts groups.

Among those were Deputy Commander, Senior Superintendent Wreford Johnson; Superintendents Deryck Younge and Simon McBean; Traffic Chief Owen Trotz and Assistant Superintendents Stephen Mansell and Leroy Albert.