Despite constant surveillance of downtown Kingston by the security forces, there has been an increase in persons being robbed by pickpockets in the commercial district.

A policeman from the Kingston Central Division told THE STAR there has been a recent increase in robberies in the area, mostly by pickpockets.

"There has been an increase in pickpockets in the area. We have been getting a number of reports from customers being robbed. These persons come from as far as Montego Bay and Clarendon, and not even have bus fare to go back home after the robbery," said the officer.

According to the police, the pickpockets are mostly women, since most of the men are not in the area. He told THE STAR that the women would go to consumers and tell them that they are been trailed by men, during this time they would rob the unsuspecting consumers.

The officer urged the public to be extremely careful during this time, since the pickpockets usually frequent areas where there is a lot of people, especially at wholesale outlets which are usually crowded.