Anguilla’s Commissioner of Police, Keithly Benjamin, has made the point that the current recession affecting the island should not result in an increase in crime but, noting recent events, he has warned all persons not to become complacent and to take simple but necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
He noted that there were some determined individuals on the island who were bent on living on the proceeds of acts of robbery and burglary and lamented that it was disheartening that such persons were being protected by some good citizens because they were not the victims of the plunder and violence.

Commissioner, Keithly Benjamin

The Commissioner was at the time delivering an address as part of a week of activities in observance of the 37th Anniversary of the Royal Anguilla Police Force. “Let me remind you again that …it will take a combined effort to address all the problems that may arise from the economic situation,” he said. “Particularly, we must ensure that the greedy, vicious and dishonest persons account for their behaviour. This situation must not be a recipe for robberies and burglaries, and reluctance, to play a role in supporting us will result in an increase in these types of offences.”
Mr. Benjamin called for greater public partnership this year in crime prevention and detection. “When we combine our efforts in 2009 we will present a unified approach and unsettle the criminals,” he vowed. “They will certainly be aware that whether they rob or discharge a firearm in East End or Blowing Point, every citizen is prepared to ensure that they are made to account for their unlawful acts. If we adopt a country-above-self approach and support each other, the fear of retribution will be reduced significantly.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner Benjamin took the opportunity to advise motorists that this year would see the enactment of legislation to mimimise some of the bad driving practices on the roads. “It will provide for, inter alia, the wearing of seat belts, restrictions on the use of mobile phones while driving, carriage of child safety seats, stronger provisions regarding driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and demerit points on your driver’s licence for the commission of certain offences,” he said.

In another matter, Mr. Benjamin said there would be a further effort this year to recruit suitably qualified Anguillians to fill a number of vacancies in the Royal Anguilla Police Force. He added that the Government had enhanced the salaries for officers and created a favourable Pensions Act for them. He pointed out that a Constable entering the Force was paid $70,596 per annum with continued education encouraged.
“In spite of the exposure to any risk involved in the execution of duty, it is a secure job and given our present situation there is minimal fear in the discharge of duties,” he assured prospective applicants.

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