The Manchester Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the deployment of additional police personnel to the parish, following a recent spike in crime.

Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson announced earlier this week, that additional police officers would be sent to Manchester to tackle the increase in criminal activities, particularly robberies.

Speaking to Irie FM News this afternoon (December 22), President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce Simone Spence Johnson said the business community is grateful for the assistance being rendered.

She said whatever aid can be provided to make residents feel safer especially during the yuletide season must be embraced.

She also welcomed the 50-million-dollar reward announced by the government for information on criminal activities across the country.

Prime Minister Holness had expressed hope that by offering the reward people would provide information on planned supermarket robberies among other things.

Mrs. Spence Johnson said while others might say the announcement came too late it is a solution which she welcomes.