The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting an increase in the number of robberies of single-operator buses attached to the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), particularly those which ply the Bull Bay and Harbour View routes.

The JCF, in a release yesterday, said for the month of March, five JUTC drivers reported robberies in sections of the Kingston eastern division.

"Investigations revealed that culprits were taking single-operator JUTC buses from Bull Bay and Harbour View late in the evenings. The drivers would be robbed of all cash and the culprits get off the bus along the Windward Road vicinity of Seabreeze Avenue, Kingston 2," the JCF release stated.

working assiduously

The police, however, gave the assurance that they were working assiduously to solve the cases and to bring those responsible for the crimes to justice.

On Thursday night, a suspected thief was shot and killed in one of the incidents, as he allegedly challenged the police in a shoot-out.

Reports are that about 9 p.m., police observed a man armed with a gun getting off a JUTC bus in the vicinity of Seabreeze Avenue. The bus had been robbed.

"The man was pursued on to 17¹/² Mountain View Avenue in an area (known as Burgher Gully). While trying to accost the man, he pointed a gun at the police. In defending their lives, the police opened fire, hitting the man," the press release stated.

A Taurus .38 revolver, serial number 12146, with five rounds of .38 cartridges, was recovered, along with $1,500 comprising mainly $50 bills.

The man was rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He is yet to be identified.

The police are asking that victims and witnesses of these robberies contact the Elletson Road CIB at 928-4200. JUTC drivers are also advised to drive straight to the nearest police station in the event they are robbed, as vital evidence is lost when the journey is completed and all witnesses are gone.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com