With at least half of the last 10 murders committed in the Englerston constituency and its surrounding areas and Prime Minister Perry Christie recently declaring that the country is fighting a crime war, officials in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) on Wednesday indefinitely increased patrols and manpower in the crime riddled community.

From senior officers to newly graduated recruits, more than 50 police officers from several branches of the force, including those from mobile patrol, motorcycle patrol, fire services and the canine unit charged into the community yesterday in an attempt to stomp the criminal element this is threatening the everyday life other citizens within the historic community.

In recent weeks the Englerston community has been the scene of a number of homicides and shooting incidents, even forcing Urban Renewal officials to recalibrate their efforts and send in reinforcement.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Leon Bethel who spearheaded yesterday’s operations expressed his concerns and offered reassurance to residents that the amped up police presence will weed out the bad apples in their community.

“We are concerned over the number of incidents that have occurred over the past few weeks,” he said. “The presence of police seen here today will continue indefinitely.”

Residents were assured that police officers would now be “at arm’s length” and warned prolific offenders who come into the area to create mischief that they would come face to face with law enforcement.

ACP Bethel also said that as patrols for in the area will be doubled, area residents will see an increase in the number of stop and search exercises, as there are a number of repeat offenders out on bail who frequent the area.