I have had some very unpleasant experiences with extortionists at several stoplights in the Corporate Area. These extortionists vary in age, size and appearance. I would suggest that I am not the only person who has suffered at the hands of these windscreen wiping extortionists.

I have adopted several approaches which have all failed:

1. Turning on the wipers before approaching the intersection to indicate to them that the car can be cleaned without their assistance.

2. Frantically gesticulating that I do not wish them to wipe my windscreen.

3. Refusing to pay them for wiping the windscreen without consent.

All the above approaches have resulted in serious damage to the body of my car as well as damage to wipers, and the near possibility of a broken window.

Are citizens of Jamaica not free to traverse these roads without being harassed by these hoodlums? They tend to prey on helpless drivers especially women. I recently reached my limit when I wished that I had a gun on me to deal with a particular vagrant.

I have reported this to the police several times. The police told me that they were unable to do anything about them. May I suggest that these hoodlums be banned from the streets as they are more than a public nuisance?

I am, etc.,

ARLENE WINT-THORPE

wintav@yahoo.com

Greater Portmore

St. Catherine