A security guard perched atop an armoured vehicle monitors shoppers in Manor Park, St Andrew. - Photo by Anthony minott

Muggers planning to target early-bird Christmas shoppers at Manor Park Plaza in St Andrew had better think again. The strip mall has ramped up security since December 1, even deploying an armoured vehicle.

The move was taken by the plaza's managing entity, Jamaica Property Company Limited, to head off car-jackings, robberies and abductions in the lead-up to the holidays, a traditional hunting season for criminals.

Taking no changes

Although Manor Park Plaza, located in upper St Andrew, does not have a history of being plagued by criminals, the shopping centre management is taking no chances.

Gary Francis, operations manager for Jamaica Property Company Limited, said the increased security measures were to ensure the spraw-ling complex maintains its safety record during a year when crime has spiked nationally.

"It is just for the festive season and it has been the norm, over the years, to beef up the security complement in terms of numbers.," Francis said. "We have decided, this year, to add this as part of the additional complement."

Kidnapping scare

However, Francis said the armoured car patrol, which operates during the plaza's opening hours, was a direct answer to the threat of abductions which have featured among this year's crime statistics.

"We've noted a couple of shopping areas in the Corporate Area where people have told stories of kidnappings and all sorts of activities.

"We thought this might be deterrent for persons wanting to come to Manor Park to carry out these activities," he said.

Francis said he has not had any feedback, positive or negative, from shoppers.