Police are also assuring the residents of the coastal communities in the Belize District, that they've been alerted to frequency of criminal activities that have been taking place around the Belize City Harbour. The Police Commissioner invited one of the leaders of the Belize Coast Guard to today's press conference to assure the public that they will be increasing their presence to respond appropriately:
Chester Williams
"It is about time that we begin to see how best we can patrol this coastline closer to Belize City. We have earlier in the year, the matter with Mr. Neal; again from Mapp Caye. And then now we have this one. But it seems that the Mapp Caye/Swallow Caye is the main area closer to Belize City."
Lt. Com. Greg Soberanis, Belize Coast Guard
"We've seen an increase in activity with the criminal element operating in the harbour area in front of Belize City. We've observed that as well at the coast guard as various fishermen have inform us of some of these activities that are occurring. There is definitely a network at play here and depending on the time of the year will determine what those activities are. For example, at the opening of the tourism season you will find that there is an increase of engine theft and many of these engines are stolen and hidden right on these offshore islands in front of Belize City. The criminal element sometimes embarked on crime of opportunities. As we know its the opening of lobster season right now and a lot of these fishermen will come into Belize City with 400-500 pounds of lobster and for the criminal element they are soft targets."
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