We continue to patrol these areas in the most effective manner and we are hoping to get the intelligence that can point us to the perpetrators of these crimes. - Robertson

THE POLICE, aided by members of the Jamaica Defence Force, have increased their presence in Waterhouse, St Andrew, in an effort to put the lid on a bloody gang feud which has engulfed the community in recent weeks.

Eleven persons have been killed in the past eight weeks in areas such as Balcombe Drive, Penwood, Road, White Lane, and adjoining communities.

"We believe that all the killings are gang related, with the thugs coming from areas such as Balcombe Drive, Lyrics Corner, Wailers and Samokan," Deputy Superintendent Owen Robertson, head of operations at the Hunts Bay Police Station told The Gleaner yesterday.

"We continue to patrol these areas in the most effective manner and we are hoping to get the intelligence that can point us to the perpetrators of these crimes," Robertson added.

He refused to release the names of the suspects as the police continue extensive operations to capture them.

According to Robertson, the feud surrounds efforts by members of one gang to control the community and the refusal of other gangsters to submit to their control.

Yesterday, residents claimed that there had been a lull in the gunfire since Monday when head of the St Andrew South Division, Delroy Hewitt, visited the community and vowed to get rid of the criminals.

"From Mr Hewitt pass through and say him a go deal wid anyone who a buss the gun, you no hear so much shooting, but the place still tense," one elderly resident told The Gleaner.

The resident argued that while the thugs are known, fear prevents persons from providing evidence to the police.

That is a view shared by police investigators who are struggling to maintain the peace in the community.