Head of Police Area 5, Assistant Commissioner Christopher Phillips, says the recent launch of four neighbourhood watch programmes in St. Catherine is a crucial step in the Constabulary’s crime deterrent strategy.

The watch programmes were launched in the Hellshire Glades 1, Sandhills Vista, Upperfort A and Sandhills Bay communities at the weekend.

ACP Phillips notes that the initiatives rely heavily on community involvement to identify and address the root causes of crime, as well as to provide support to those in need.

He says the programmes will especially hold perpetrators accountable.

ACP Phillips points out that murders in Area 5 have been trending downward in line with the national statistics.

This, despite recent tragedies, including the rape and murder of 9-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon.