Residents of Ensom City in St Catherine have expressed concern about criminal acts that have been taking over the community recently.

The residents concern came to the fore after a member of the St Catherine Parish Council Municipal police was robbed while walking in the area on Saturday.

"We need more police patrol in the community as the criminals them just walking around and a rob and thief cars and anything in sight," a resident said.

The woman was walking along Mark Drive about 12:30 p.m.on Saturday when a man walked up to her and grabbed her bag.

She sounded an alarm and the man was chased but managed to escape on foot.

"I believe the criminals are either imported or live on the fringes of the community," a female resident said.

In June last year, a man had his gold teeth stolen from his mouth and in other instance vigilant resident disciplined a dog thief.

Criminals also prey on motor vehicles, hold up persons at gunpoint before robbing them of bicycles and cellphones.

The residents said the police must respond to prevent them from taking the law into their own hands.

Meanwhile, senior police personnel from the St Catherine North division said its members will be stepping up their efforts in the community.