You are here: HomeNewsCrime & Punishment2009 10 02Article 169726

Crime & Punishment of Friday, 2 October 2009

Source: GNA

DCE alarmed by rising armed robberies in Ejura-Sekyedumase

Ejura (Ash), Oct. 2, GNA - Mrs. Martha Bruckner, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Ejura-Sekyedumase, has expressed concern about the surge in armed robberies in the area and appealed to the Ashanti Regional Security Committee (REGSEC) to help curb the vice. She told journalists at Ejura that the impunity with which the miscreants were operating in the district was alarming.

Robbery gangs, armed with pump-action guns, locally-manufactured pistols, machetes and other deadly weapons have virtually imposed a reign of terror on the people as they live in fear. Mrs. Bruckner said despite periodic joint highway and night patrols by policemen from the Asante-Mampong Division and soldiers stationed at Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region, the robbers remained active and defiant.

Police Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Oduro Kwateng, the Divisional Commander confirmed that the robbers were constant threat to live and property.

Between January and September, this year, there had been nine reported armed robberies in the district during which, two people were killed and two cars snatched. Huge amounts of money, cell phones and other valuables were also stolen.

The Police Commander said they have been able to make some arrests and secured their conviction by the Courts. Police Chief Superintendent Oduro-Kwateng appealed to the public to give the police and other security agencies tip-offs to apprehend criminals in the society.

He also counselled the communities to form Neighbourhood Watch Committees.