Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

Norwich, Portland:

The Portland police are continuing where they left off in 2012 with the seizure of a variety of items suspected to have been stolen. They include electrical appliances, clothing, cellular phones and other items from a house in Norwich district.

The raid, which took place on Saturday night, also resulted in the arrest of a man who is scheduled for questioning by detectives from the Criminal Investigation Branch in Port Antonio.

The name of the suspect has not been released by the lawmen.

According to the police, several electrical items, including speakers, GPS devices, DVDs, a video-cassette player, a 40-inch flat-screen television, a variety of cellular phones, an electrical drill, PlayStation systems, and clothing items were seized during the raid.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Wayne Cameron, commanding officer for the parish, said the community-policing initiative was now reaping its desired results as residents have a level of confidence in the police which has allowed them to tackle crime more effectively.

"As a parish, we boast the lowest crime rate," said Cameron.

He added: "This does not happen by chance, but the good relationship between residents and the police is paying off. The men and women under my command are determined to keep crime in this parish at its minimum. Yes, it is the safest parish, but it will not be a safe haven for those engaged in criminal and other illicit activities."

ITEMS IDENTIFIED

Since the raid, one woman has come forward and identified some of the items as belonging to her. Police sources say that the woman is alleging that the items were stolen from her house in Norwich about a month ago.

Last year, police data showed that Portland accounted for only nine murders, while other crimes, including robbery, break-in, rape, carnal abuse, and wounding, were down.

rural@gleanerjm.com