Police say vending preventing crime fight in St Ann
The police are again asking the St Ann Municipal Corporation (SAMC) to take action to prevent street vending that they say is providing cover for criminal action in the parish.
On Thursday, September 8, acting head of the St Ann Police Superintendent David White told the monthly meeting of the SAMC that street vending was out of hand in Ocho Rios and St Ann’s Bay. He said the SAMC should see to it that people stay in the market.
The senior officer said police had launched Operation Leviticus and had been trying to bring back order to the towns but vendors on the roadside and sidewalks often showed “pieces of paper” or receipts that they had permission to stay on the streets. He said that had to stop.
Supt White said his officers tried to work with the Municipal Police who should enforce the law but they were often hesitant and when queried said they didn’t want to lose their jobs by taking action against vendors.
C Hall
Vendors illegally vending from carts and vehicles parked outside the Brown’s Town market in spaces that are marked for shoppers.
