BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, May 14, CMC  – Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris and Police Commissioner Ian Queeley have both warned residents to refrain from harboring criminals as security officials continue to implement measures and programmes geared towards reducing crime and violence.

Harris, who was speaking at his month press conference last week  noted that the society needs to “rise to a higher level of engagement and support, in order to rid this county of the scourge of violence crime, gun violence in particular and criminality in general.”

Police Commissioner Ian Queeley and Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris

“We need a clear and consistent message to be sent to the criminals that there will be no protection by their family, their neighbours, the churches, the media, by businesses and political entities. Indeed, there is no hiding place.”Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley in adding his voice said police are aware that there are some families in St. Kitts and Nevis that harbour relatives who they know are involved in criminal activities.

“There are parents who are protecting their children by hiding their guns for them and that’s a fact. So, we are calling on parents and other family members to ensure that when they know that their children or other family members are involved in crime, they should put an end to that criminality,” he said.

The Prime Minister who also serves as Minister of National Security, further stated that, “Those who see the crime must report it and, yes, they must be assured that their confidentiality will be protected.”

In that regard, the Police Commissioner reassured members of the public that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force takes the issue of confidentiality seriously. He added that members of the public can also send anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers Programme on any criminal activity.

“Every member of the public can trust somebody. If they cannot trust the police, they can trust their pastor, they can trust their banker or their teacher or whomever, but just pass the information so that the criminals can be brought to justice,” the Commissioner said.