Fears are emerging that downtown Kingston may once again become a feeding ground for robbers in the aftermath of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke's extradition to the United States.

Business operators, vendors, shoppers and even extortionists believe the commercial hub will become a haven for thieves unless the security forces maintain a very strong presence there.

THE WEEKEND STAR spoke with a number of concerned individuals who reasoned that the absence of Dudus means there will be no order and criminals, especially thieves, will use the opportunity to run amok in the area like they once did.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Branch, Assistant Commissioner Les Green, said the police were aware of people's concerns and efforts are already being put in place to hinder thieves.

"Yu memba wen people couldn't walk a town in peace? A deh so it a guh go back to now dat Dudus gone. A him did a mek di yute dem hold di order and now him gone, di yute dem naw tek no talk," one vendor who plies his wares close to the Coronation Market said, as others drew closer to give their own take on the matter.

"Police and solider affi go line every street or else a judgement a town, a now people a guh 'fraid a dung yah," another vendor added.

One particular vendor who gave her name as Patsy, said she has been selling in downtown for more than 12 years and recalled a time when violent thieves had people cowering in fear. She said in recent years, however, things got better but she now agrees with fellow vendors that such a time will come around again.

"Mi memba when man use to jus walk up to woman and cut dem two box and tek off dem jewellery or cut man inna dem face and then rob dem. Dem tings deh did stop still but mi feel seh it a guh start back again, mi naw lie. Mi know how town run 'cause mi a sell dung yah more than 12 years now and mi kinda worried mi naw lie," she reasoned.

A businnessman who owns a store on King Street went as far as to say he wishes the government would consider a permanent state of emergency as he believes it affects the thinking of criminals who may want to prey on persons and businesses in downtown.

"I wish this state of emergency could be imposed forever. I would be lying if I told you that I'm not afraid that the thieves are going to plague downtown now that Dudus is gone. I don't know the man but being in the area for a number of years I have heard that he is the person behind the so-called order in downtown. Now that he is gone it is going to be interesting to see what happens," he said.

THE WEEKEND STAR was lucky to get a comment from a man who was seen taking money from a vendor in the Coronation Market and subsequently giving her a reciept.

Asked if he shared views similar to those who spoke to THE WEEKEND STAR, the midget-height yet loud-speaking character demanded a round of liquour, claiming that would help get his thoughts together.

After imbibing on two bottles, the man said: "Hear how it go now and this a between me and you; Yu have nuff man bout di place weh naw go tek no talk and dem mek it known aready seh nobody cyaa gi dem nuh chat again cause Mr Man (Dudus) nuh deh yah. Town a guh start run wicked again, is just a matter of time. People a guh feel di effects jus' watch and see".

With that said the man left claiming he had more 'business' to attend to.

According to ACP Green, the concerns of the people have been taken into consideration and the police are, as a result, urging them not to be afraid.

"This is something we are aware of and have considered. We will be working to limit the factor of fear and so we will maintain a strong presence in the area. The people need not be afraid," ACP Green said.