THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Monday rolled out its Christmas policing plan, which will be intensified from 15th November to January 15th, 2017 to facilitate the Christmas Season, in order to enable citizens to conduct their activities in a safe and secured environment.At a presentation at Police Officer’s Mess, Eve Leary ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken said the Christmas plan will target crime, traffic congestion and road accidents, while Georgetown will be divided into five hubs.

The commander noted that the five sectors were created in order to maximize supervision of Police in the city and its environs. Each sector will be commanded by an Assistant Superintendent, assisted by an Inspector and adequate ranks. Adding that there will also be heighten special operations by Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Intelligence and other ranks around the banks and other places of business, Commander Hicken said the Christmas plan will include increased foot, motorcycle and vehicular patrols around the city, along the East Bank/Timehri corridor, and in hot spots.
Patrols will also be conducted on the waterways.

Foot Patrols will be conducted between 07:00hrs to 13:00hrs and 12:00hrs to 19:00hrs daily while motor cycles and vehicular patrols will be done on a 24-hour basis in 12-hour shifts. In addition, between the 22nd to 26th and 29th to 31st December, 2016, foot patrol timings will be adjusted to accommodate late shopping. He also revealed that execution of search warrants, cordon and searches will be conducted regularly by C.I.D and other ranks in areas of interest. In Georgetown, a tow truck will be used to remove illegally parked cars and wheel clamps and vehicle escorts will be provided when necessary.

Meanwhile, Traffic Chief Dion Moore said to avoid undue disruption, the public will be notified via the media of any proposed road closure or diversion of traffic.

He explained that special focus will be maintained with respect to: Driving under the influence of alcohol; speeding; using hand-held mobile phone, whilst driving; overloaded mini buses/hire cars; touts operating at bus parks; failure to wear safety helmet; failure to wear seat belt; private-hire cars and obstruction- illegal parking.

Moore said in all divisions, cars and motor cycles will be on day and night patrols and foot patrols will be utilised as far as practicable to deter potential errant drivers. In addition, there will be an increased use of radar guns and breathalyzers with usage of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footages.

Robb Street will be “NO ENTRY” to east-bound vehicular traffic, between Alexander and Light Streets; Bourda Street will be “NO ENTRY” to vehicular traffic between Regent Street and North Road; Regent Street will also be “NO ENTRY” to east bound traffic between Avenue of the Republic and Albert street on Christmas eve between 15:00hrs to 22:00hrs.