Sakumono, March 8, GNA - Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Simon Afenyadu, Sakumono District Police Commander has attributed the recent spate in armed robbery at Sakumono and its environs to the individualistic nature of residents in the area.

DSP Afenyadu observed that the culture of individualism of residents had made it difficult for the police to effectively control criminal activities in the vicinity.

He made the observation on Friday at Sakumono when he briefed the press on criminal activities in the areas.

According to him even though the police had put in measures to curb criminal activities in Sakumono, Larshibi, and Batsonaa, the police often received information of robberies after the crime had been committed.

DSP Afenyadu explained that victims of robberies could not call the police during robbery incidents as their attackers deprived them of their phones stating further that it was therefore the responsibility of neighbours to report such attacks to the police for prompt action. Commenting on some of the measures the security services had put in place to control the crime rate in the area the District Commander said three night patrol teams consisting of the police and military personnel.

He noted that the police had also held several meetings with residents to educate them on police operations and how to prevent such criminal attacks.

The District Commander stated that out of such meetings residents of Tema Community 16, 17, 19, and 20, Larshibi as well as Batsonaa had formed neighbourhood watch committees to augment the work of the police. Chief Superintendent of Police (CSOP) Joshua Dogbedah, Tema Regional Crime Officer, said the police believed that most of the armed robbers were people who might have worked in the areas as labourers, caretakers or land guards. He said such criminals hid around the Nungua beach adding that the police arrested a number of them during two swoops a few weeks ago.