Teenagers posing as sellers have been extorting money from frequent users of a lot located at the intersections of West and Barry streets in downtown Kingston.

The area, which serves as a parking lot, has been secured by the teens who collect $100 from customers after they have completed their usage.

A policeman from Kingston Central Division told THE WEEKEND STAR that it is illegal for the teens to collect money from the public for parking, however, they have not received any reports.

pose as sellers

"It is an illegal activity, however, we have not received any report or have been able to make an arrest," he said.

The teens, who walk around selling sweets, cigarettes and shoe polish among other items, pose as sellers when the security forces enter the lot to scrutinise the area, however, when they exit they resume collections.

protecting vehicles

One of the teenagers told THE WEEKEND STAR that they are not extorting, but protecting vehicles by preventing theft. He said people are able to go about their business freely without worrying about their vehicles being stolen.

"A nuh extort wi a extort dem innuh bossy, but hear wah, yuh si weh wi collect a ting, wi jus a mek sure sey dem vehicle safe till dem forward," he said.

A similar sentiment shared by the previous police officer was expressed by another, however, he indicated that the teens ensure that customers shopping downtown can do so safely at a small cost.

"It illegal, but fi dem it is like a form of security, dem collect the money fi protect yuh vehicle," he said.