Head of the Area 3 police, Assistant Commissioner Calvin Allen is urging businesses and individuals to exercise heightened vigilance when handling or transferring large sums of cash.

His call follows a shootout and hostage situation at a supermarket in Spalding, Clarendon yesterday.

Two policemen were shot and wounded during the incident in which the gunmen barricaded themselves inside the supermarket for several hours.

Four alleged gunmen were eventually detained following the intervention of the Jamaica Defence Force and the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

Two of the gunmen were wounded and were hospitalized under police guard.

Four firearms including an AK 47 rifle were also seized during the incident which was live-streamed on several platforms by onlookers and at least one of the gunmen.

Speaking with reporters after the dramatic situation ended, ACP Allen emphasized that business owners should not hesitate to seek police protection when undertaking large transactions, particularly during the busy Christmas season.

In the meantime, ACP Allen commended the officers for their swift and effective response to yesterday’s incident.