Police impose 48-hour curfew in Old Harbour amid spate of shootings, murders

The curfew, which will remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, encompasses the communities of Africa, Burke Road, Old Harbour Glades, Marlie Acres and Succaba Gardens.

According to the police, the northern boundary runs along Darlington Drive before extending eastward along an imaginary line to Myton Gully. The boundary then continues southward along Myton Gully onto East Street, before proceeding westward from the Myton Gully bridge towards the Clock Tower in the town centre.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Romario Rankin, commander of the Old Harbour Police Subdivision, said the security measure was necessary in response to a recent spate of murders and shootings within the designated curfew zone.

The latest outbreak of violence has seen at least two women shot and injured in separate incidents over the past week.

In the most recent incident, a man was shot dead and a woman injured during a drive-by shooting along Ascot Drive on Saturday evening.

Despite the recent flare-up in gun violence, DSP Rankin disclosed that the Old Harbour police subdivision continues to record significant reductions in major crimes when compared with the corresponding period last year.

Crime figures: Old Harbour Police Subdivision

As of publication, eight murders had been recorded across the subdivision, compared with 16 during the corresponding period in 2025, representing a 50 per cent reduction.

Shootings have also declined considerably, with seven incidents recorded so far this year, compared with 16 over the corresponding period last year, a reduction of approximately 56 per cent.

However, the recent incidents have prompted the police to intensify their crime-fighting efforts in the affected communities.

DSP Rankin is also appealing to residents to exercise greater restraint when dealing with domestic disputes and interpersonal conflicts, urging individuals to seek peaceful resolutions rather than resorting to violence.

He encouraged persons experiencing difficulties to resolve their differences amicably or seek the intervention of the police before disagreements escalate into serious criminal acts.

Meanwhile, the Old Harbour police chief has raised concerns about recent incidents of motor vehicle theft, warning owners to exercise greater vigilance in protecting their property.

He noted that some of the recent cases have exposed vulnerabilities in vehicle security, with owners failing to implement basic protective measures that could help deter criminals.

DSP Rankin urged motorists to install appropriate security devices and exercise caution when conducting motor vehicle transactions to avoid falling victim to criminal activities.

He confirmed that several stolen vehicles have since been recovered by the police.

Beyond enforcement, the senior police officer highlighted the importance of community engagement and social intervention in addressing crime and other challenges affecting residents.

He pointed to the police-led Soup on the Corner social intervention programme as an effective initiative in strengthening relationships between law enforcement personnel and communities.

The programme brings together residents and stakeholders from various sectors to engage in meaningful discussions on social issues, community concerns and other challenges affecting their daily lives.

Through these engagements, the police hope to build trust, encourage cooperation and promote peaceful conflict resolution while addressing some of the underlying factors contributing to crime.

The latest curfew comes as the Old Harbour police seek to contain the recent violence while preserving the gains recorded in reducing murders and shootings across the subdivision.

Although the overall crime figures reflect notable improvements, the recent attacks underscore the continuing security challenges facing sections of the historic St Catherine town.