Residents of a number of communities served by the Guys Hill and Sligoville police stations in St Catherine are concerned with the absence of service vehicles at the stations.

The Sligoville police have been doing constant foot patrols and using a private motor vehicle to protect and serve. Senior personnel at the station said a number of districts have to be covered so the need for a working vehicle is urgent.

Majorie, a resident of Sligoville, said it is obvious the police need a vehicle. "They must be a fit group of police as they are always on foot, the vehicle is needed immediately," Marjorie said. Her views were echoed by others who said the inability of the cops to respond quickly is a potential danger. "Can you image criminals invading the community? By the time help comes from Spanish Town or Bog Walk the damage would have already done," another community member said.

Meanwhile, the police station in Guys Hill has been without a service vehicle for the last five months. "For months, is a private vehicle or assistance come from Linstead, many miles away, "a taxi driver told THE STAR. "It is rough for them, but dangerous for us."

Senior Superintendent Anthony Castelle, head of the St Catherine North police, said the problem is being addressed. "We are trying to address the problem. In the meantime, we have to try and coordinate our efforts to serve as no authority would like to operate without good vehicles and other such resources," Castelle said.