THE EDITOR, Sir:

I write in response to a letter published in your newspaper on December 26, 2012 ('Maintain increased security presence and patrolling') written by Professor Paul Gyles.

As a recent victim of crime, it was a very poignant letter that struck a nerve. I have operated a business in the Cross Roads area for the last 12 years. In December 2012, I have not only had a fire at my business place that was set by suspected arsonists, there were two attempted burglaries on a location near the burnt-out premises.

Finally, between Christmas night and Boxing Day, the criminals were successful in cutting their way through the roof, several grilled areas and a wired alarm system, to tear apart our office equipment and stock and get away with some of our goods despite the alarm siren going off.

'Secured' but not reassured

This is an area which is well known to be frequented by drug addicts, homeless people and criminals. It is relatively close to the Cross Roads Police Station. Not only that, many of these buildings are wired and protected by security companies!

We are told by the Cross Roads police that there is only one patrol car attached to them which covers a large part of the Corporate Area, including not only small businesses, but large establishments, and residences.

This is unacceptable! Surely there needs to be more security and policing patrols at night, especially when the marauding criminals and drug addicts come out to loot business places! The old adage, 'he who feels it knows it', is running through my veins.

I thoroughly agree with Professor Gyles that decent, law-abiding citizens need to come together and stand up to these criminals, with the help of the police and other security officers, or we will all fall victim to crime.

M. BARRETT

Liguanea PO

Kingston 7