Having secured an exclusive Electric Golf Cart Dealership with Tara Golf Carts, based in Xiamen, China, two months ago, the Jamaican-based energy company Innovative Energy Group is now marketing these vehicles on the island.
The dealership is not limited to Jamaica but extends to the wider Caribbean. This dealership is facilitating IEG’s deployment of PV Solar charging infrastructure for the golf carts.
The management is optimistic about IEG’s growth trajectory, especially having secured the EV golf cart dealership, which is one way the company is seeking to diversify its revenue stream.
The recent acquisition of related company Innovative Energy Company DBA IEC SPEI Limited (IECL) by IEG, as well as the Chinese gold cart dealership, has resulted in a turnaround of the company’s fortune during the February 2025 quarter.
Reversing 2024 losses
IEG and its subsidiary, IECL recorded a profit of J$99.7 million, reversing the loss of J$4.4 million for IEG in the corresponding quarter of 2024, with revenues for the quarter climbing to J$130.7 million.
Given the completion of the IECL acquisition transaction on November 1, 2024, the year-to-date consolidated results reflect four months of the subsidiary’s performance. Revenues and profits reported for the year to date reflect the subsidiary’s operations during the period from November to February 2025.
The J$2.5 billion intangibles shown on the February 28, 2025, statement of financial position represent goodwill on consolidation. This intangible value will continue to be reassessed periodically, with external auditors reviewing and confirming it at the end of each financial year.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Installation of renewable energy worldwide hit a record high last year, with 92.5% of all new electricity brought online coming from the sun, wind or other clean sources, an international agency reports.
Nearly 64% of the new renewable electricity capacity in 2024 was in China, according to Wednesday’s report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Overall, the world added 585 billion watts of new renewable electrical energy, a 15.1% jump from 2023, with 46% of the world’s electricity coming from solar, wind and other green non-nuclear energy sources.
But even that big jump does not put the globe on track to reach the international goal of tripling renewable energy from 2023 to 2030, with the world on pace to be 28% short, IRENA calculated. The goal was adopted in 2023 as part of the world’s efforts to curb the increasing impacts of climate change and transition away from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas.
“Renewable energy is powering down the fossil fuel age. Record-breaking growth is creating jobs, lowering energy bills and cleaning our air,” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. “But the shift to clean energy must be faster and fairer.”
China added almost 374 billion watts of renewable power — three quarters of it from solar panels — in 2024. That’s more than eight times as much as the United States did and five times what Europe added last year.
China now has nearly 887 billion watts of solar panel power, compared to 176 billion in the United States, nearly 90 billion watts in Germany, 21 billion watts in France and more than 17 billion watts in the United Kingdom.
United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell used the figures Wednesday to challenge Europe and other industrialized nations to catch up with China.
“As one government steps back from climate leadership, it opens up space for others to step forward and seize the vast benefits,” Stiell told European leaders in Berlin, making reference to U.S. President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. “The clean energy transition can be Europe’s economic engine-room now — when new sources of growth are vital to buttress living standards and for decades to come.”
Stiell said the IRENA numbers show that the “global renewables boom is unstoppable” and said the market for green energy reached $2 trillion last year.
The move to renewables can grow even faster, said Neil Grant, senior policy analyst at Climate Analytics, which tracks and projects countries’ climate change fighting efforts.
“If in 2024 renewables grew 15%, think how much faster they could grow with the full backing of comprehensive, credible and ambitious climate policies around the world,” said Grant, who wasn’t part of the IRENA report.
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced a series of new and expanded benefits from the National Housing Trust (NHT) to benefit Jamaicans.
The series of improved benefits will take effect in the coming months are aimed at making homeownership more affordable and accessible for Jamaicans.
These enhancements, which include increased loan limits, reduced deposit requirements, and expanded grants, represent a significant investment in improving the lives of NHT contributors.
Starting July 1, 2025, several key changes will take effect:
Increased Loan Limits: Individual loan limits will rise from $7.5 million to $9 million, while two co-applicants can now access $17 million and three co-applicants up to $23 million.
The loan ceiling for construction loans will also be increased to $11 million for individuals, $17 million for two co-applicants, and $23 million for three co-applicants.
Lower Deposit Requirements: For contributors earning less than $30,000 weekly, the deposit requirement for open market loans will be reduced from 5% to 2% for properties valued at $14 million or less, making it easier for more Jamaicans to own a home.
Reduced Service Charges: Those earning $30,000 or less per week will see their 2% service charge eliminated, while those earning between $30,000 and $42,000 per week will have their charge reduced from 5% to 2%.
Expanded Home Grant Eligibility: The maximum qualifying income for Home Grants will increase to $30,000 per week, enabling more contributors to access grants of up to $3.5 million.
Home Improvement Loan: The waiting time to access this loan will be reduced from 10 to 7 years, and the loan limit will increase from $3.5 million to $5 million.
There are also special Initiatives for pensioners and public sector workers. These include:
Smart Energy Grant Expansion: Initially available only to public sector pensioners, this grant of up to $1.5 million for solar panel installation and alternative energy systems will be expanded to private sector pensioners.
Smart Energy Loan Increase: The loan amount will increase from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, and the interest rate will now range from 0-5%, making it more affordable for lower-income contributors.
Targeted Institutional Loan Programme: The NHT will partner with hospitals to provide on-site housing for healthcare workers, with ongoing discussions also considering the tourism, security, and education sectors.
New Contribution Refund Option for Private Sector Mortgagors
Private sector mortgagors will now have the choice to apply their NHT contribution refunds toward their existing mortgages, provided their loans are free of arrears.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness announced that as the NHT approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025/26, the agency will commemorate its milestone with the development of a new park in Mandeville and the expansion of its scholarship programme from 10 to 50 awards.
Prime Minister Holness said his administration is committed to housing affordability, stating.
“These enhancements reflect our dedication to ensuring that every Jamaican has a fair opportunity to own a home and improve their quality of life,” said Dr. Holness.
HAVANA, March 20 (Reuters) – Cuba is making progress on a China-backed plan to install more than 50 solar parks this year capable of churning out more than 1,000 megawatts, the Energy Ministry said late on Wednesday, just days after the country’s antiquated grid collapsed and left millions in the dark.
In the most detailed report yet on the plan’s progress, energy officials said two solar parks had come online in February – one in Havana and one in Cienfuegos – and that by the end of March, workers would complete six more.
By the end of March, eight of the planned 50 solar parks will be operating, producing 170 megawatts, said Ovel Concepción Díaz, a top renewable energy official with the Energy Ministry.
The broader plan to expand renewable energy generation, announced in 2014, has gained momentum in recent months as the government looks to revive its ailing economy and alleviate tensions among island residents exhausted by months of rolling blackouts.
The goal by 2030 is to generate 24% of total electricity production using renewable sources, up from around 4% currently. That goal includes building 92 solar parks, the government has said, in addition to battery storage facilities, hydro- and wind-generation projects.
“That goal will be achieved before 2030 and the percentage (of renewable generation) may be a little higher,” said Rosell Guerra Campaña, Cuba’s director of renewable energy.
China and Russia have moved to help Cuba out of an energy crisis that has reached a tipping point after the country’s electric grid collapsed four times since October.
Russia has previously committed to helping Cuba modernize three of its oil-fired power plants, along with building a 200-MW plant to bolster the grid.
Cuba and China struck a deal last year in which Beijing agreed to help the island’s Communist-run government boost solar production. Neither country has elaborated on financing details.
China recently said it was donating materials and expertise to build 22 more solar parks across Cuba capable of generating 120 MW, starting this year.
Cuba blames its energy crisis on a Cold War-era U.S. trade embargo and fresh restrictions from U.S. President Donald Trump, who tightened sanctions on the nation and vowed to restore a “tough” policy toward the longtime U.S. foe.
Vaz rubbishes Opposition’s criticisms of Government’s energy policy
MINISTER with responsibility for energy Daryl Vaz has defended the Administration’s handling of the energy sector in the wake of claims by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) that the Government is to be blamed for the high electricity prices Jamaicans now face.
Making his presentation to the 2025/26 Budget Debate last week, Opposition spokesman on finance Julian Robinson slammed the Government over its energy policy as he pointed out that the cost of electricity in Jamaica is more than US$0.40 per kilowatt hour (kWh), while it was as low as US$0.22/kWh during the last PNP Administration.
That theme was continued by Opposition Leader Mark Golding during his presentation to the budget debate on Tuesday as he charged that the Andrew Holness Administration had dropped the ball as it failed to issue regular request for proposals (RFPs) for additional renewable energy for years which could have resulted in lower electricity prices for Jamaicans.
But during a mid-morning media briefing on Tuesday Vaz scoffed at the PNP’s claim that the high cost of electricity was due to Government’s inability to develop a sustainable renewable energy framework.
Vaz listed a multiplicity of factors he said caused the delay, rejected the narrative that little progress has been made in the renewable energy sector, and described the Opposition’s claims as “disingenuous and misleading”.
According to Vaz, measurable achievements and strategic investments in renewables underscore the Government’s commitment to achieving an evidence-based, sustainable, and affordable resilient energy future for Jamaica.
“Data clearly refutes claims of inaction and demonstrates a consistent, structured approach to energy diversification and transformation. The increase in electricity prices between 2016 and 2024 was not due to a lack of renewable energy deployment but rather global scenarios linked to fossil fuel volatility, inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical issues.
“The Government’s renewable energy expansion remains on track, ensuring long-term energy affordability and security for Jamaica. More renewables are coming but at the right time and in the right way as we continue to lower the cost for all our citizens. Together we are building a cleaner and more secure energy future for Jamaica,” Vaz said.
He argued that detractors are spreading propaganda because the island is now in the “silly season” with a general election near.
“This is something that is ongoing and it is not specific to my ministry or to energy but there is just a lot of misconceptions, misleading, and disingenuous information. What I can say specifically is that I encourage all well-thinking Jamaicans to get the facts and most importantly judge the policies and performance of those who are putting themselves forward in the upcoming election,” Vaz said.
“We are not perfect, but definitively we have a lot of runs on the board and our job will be to make sure and put those out in the public domain so people can examine and make informed decisions,” added Vaz.
The energy minister said significant progress has been made in expanding the energy portfolio, guided by a robust policy framework and strategic investments.
He said several factors, including surging fossil fuel prices, the Russia-Ukraine war, and global supply chain disruptions have contributed to the high price for electricity.
Vaz argued that while renewable energy technology costs have declined over time, the transition from fossil fuels must be a planned, orderly and well-timed process.
Kevin Wen is one of a growing number of Australians with rooftop solar who have decided the economics of installing a battery storage system finally stack up.
In 2022, Mr Wen was getting about 15 cents per kilowatt-hour for exporting his excess energy back into the grid.
“Then they lowered the buyback price to 8 cents, and then 5 cents, and then 3 cents now,” Mr Wen tells ABC News.
“I just think it’s a scam, so now I would like to use my energy for myself.”
Kevin Wen has installed a battery at his Sydney home after falling solar feed-in tariffs. (ABC News: John Gunn)
He’s far from alone. About 75,000 battery storage systems were installed across Australia last year — up 47 per cent from 2023.
That brings the total of home battery storage systems across the country to more than 320,000, according to solar energy consultancy SunWiz.
Chris Williams, CEO of Natural Solar, a company that now installs about 100 batteries a week, says the reduction in solar feed-in tariffs has been a tipping point for many of his customers.
“Solar feed-in tariffs, effectively, are a rate that the household will receive when power is sent back to the grid during the day from your solar panels,” Mr Williams says.
“Now, that rate, historically, may have been 15 cents or 20 cents per kilowatt-hour fed back to the grid.
“What we’re seeing today, that might be as low as, you know, 2 or 3 cents in New South Wales, in Victoria, it might be as low as, you know, less than 1 cent.”
Solar tariffs have also been as high as 60 cents per kilowatt-hour in Victoria, while New South Wales also offered generous incentives for the solar power people used themselves.
In certain circumstances, Mr Williams says, nowadays households will actually be charged for sending power back to the grid.
“Instead of making money, they’ll actually have to pay a fee to send that power back.”
Mr Williams’s business has received 250 per cent more battery enquiries since the regulated price increases were announced just last week.
“Consumers and households are very sensitive at this point in time, particularly on the back of the cost-of-living crisis we’re in, when they see that their power price is going to go up.”
Solar installs dwarf battery take-up
Households can save about $1,500 a year on power bills with rooftop solar, and another $1,000 with battery storage, according to the Smart Energy Council.
More than 4 million Australian households and businesses have rooftop solar but, despite the additional savings, only about one in 12 have battery storage.
The high purchase price of batteries has been a barrier for many.
“Batteries are, on average, around about $10,000 per system.
“We have seen prices come down year-on-year by between 5 and 10 per cent and we do expect that trend to continue,” Mr Williams says.
“The average battery should have a return on investment between six to eight years before subsidies — including subsidies, that may be as little as five to seven years for the average household.”
Solar energy consultancy SunWiz has crunched the numbers on how long it takes to make your money back on a combined solar and battery system.
The “payback time” now sits at about 8.3 years, which includes a mix of subsidised and non-subsidised systems.
Battery subsidies are currently only available through the New South Wales and the Northern Territory governments.
Other jurisdictions — like Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT — offer interest-free loans for batteries.
As the federal budget and election loom, there are calls for a national government subsidy, similar to the existing scheme for rooftop solar, to further reduce the cost of batteries.
“Solar energy, of course, doesn’t work at night-time, so what we want is a battery booster scheme that helps people take the energy from the middle of the day and use it in the evening when they’re home from work and school,” Smart Energy Council CEO John Grimes tells ABC News.
The Smart Energy Council, a peak body for the renewable energy industry, is calling for a national subsidy of $350 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
In layman’s terms, that would reduce the cost of a small 5kWh battery to about $3,000, or $7,000 for a larger 10kWh battery.
Mr Grimes says battery storage systems would allow households to avoid higher prices when cheaper solar energy is unavailable.
“What solar batteries do is, they time-shift energy from the middle of the day, when it’s super-cheap, to make that super-cheap energy available at night-time, when prices spike,” Mr Grimes says.
Modelling by the Smart Energy Council shows that if Australia reaches 1 million solar batteries by 2030, households will save more than $19 billion.
“There’s a saving not just for the householder, but for the whole community. That’s because we’re taking pressure off when electricity prices are high.
“The more solar batteries we can install, the more money we save, the more we save individuals and the more we help the environment.”
Other renewable energy industry groups, including the Clean Energy Council, are calling for a national rebate for batteries of up to $6,500.
Former RBA deputy backs battery subsidy calls
Last year, the centrepiece of the federal budget was the $3.5 billion in energy bill relief for households, which amounted to a $300 rebate for households and $325 for small businesses.
Those rebates not only reduced household power bills but worked to bring down inflation.
Former RBA deputy governor Guy Debelle argues there is a better way to shield households from energy price inflation, which is subject to global shocks such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The former central banker, who also spent a period at Fortescue Future Industries, says instead of bill rebates, money should be spent on subsidies for batteries and increased incentives for bringing down the cost of solar.
“The relief to household budgets is only temporary, while they’re receiving those cash payments.
“You could repurpose that money to provide them with the opportunity to get rooftop solar and batteries to provide much more long-lasting insulation from energy prices.”
Mr Debelle says those incentives should also target low-income households, strata buildings and landlords.
“Sun isn’t subject to geopolitics, so it’s not going to be affected by Russia invading Ukraine,” he says.
Kevin Wen is glad he’ll be less reliant on the grid and therefore less exposed to price spikes.
Mr Wen was able to get $2,000 off the cost of his home battery storage system under the NSW government scheme, but says higher subsidies would encourage more people to take up solar and batteries.
“If they want to promote green energy, it is really good to increase the subsidies right now … If they can increase it, that will be great for everyone.”
Energy experts spoken to for this story say increased subsidies, not loans, will be the best way to increase the uptake of solar batteries.
A spokesperson for the federal minister for climate change and energy Chris Bowen said in a statement:
“The government is always looking for ways to ease household budget pressure.
“Through our Household Energy Upgrades Fund, we’re providing $1 billion to help Australian home owners lower their energy bills through discounted green loans for energy upgrades, such as solar panels and batteries.”
SolarBuzz, in partnership with the Jamaica Renewable Energy Association (JREA), wants to thank you for your patience as we continue our discussions with the Government regarding the recently added Net-billing requirement for the Residential Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Tax Credit. We have heard your frustration especially now that the tax filing deadline has passed, regarding the sudden requirement for a Net-billing license to claim the solar tax credit.
We are working diligently with the relevant authorities to remove or amend this net-billing requirement and expect to reach a viable solution after a series of upcoming meetings in the weeks ahead. We appreciate your patience and will update you the moment we have received final confirmation.
The Jamaica Electricity Act and Self-Generators
Under The Jamaica Electricity Act (2015), self-generators who produce electricity solely for their own consumption—such as homeowners with hybrid solar-and-battery systems—are exempt from requiring a Net-billing license. As long as no power is exported to the grid, these systems are considered self-use only and should not require any additional licensing. The law’s intent is to encourage renewable energy adoption without unnecessary red tape for those who simply use the grid as backup.
Our Commitment to You
We appreciate your continued trust in SolarBuzz, and we promise to keep you informed as soon as there are any official changes. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to our team.
As Jamaica prepares for the upcoming hurricane season, the potential for extended power outages remains a significant concern. Past hurricanes have left many homes and businesses without electricity for days or even weeks, and the recent impact of Hurricane Beryl highlights the country’s vulnerability. Given this, exploring alternatives to traditional energy sources can offer added resilience, especially in the face of increasingly severe weather events.
JPS Plans for Power Resilience
The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has announced plans to strengthen its grid by undergrounding some of its power lines in an effort to better withstand Category 5 hurricanes. This initiative comes in response to the growing frequency and strength of hurricanes, as seen with the impact of Hurricane Beryl. The current infrastructure, according to JPS, is only capable of handling Category 3 conditions, and these upgrades aim to future-proof the grid against more intense storms.
Solar Energy: A Resilient Alternative
While this move by JPS is a step toward greater grid resilience, it’s important to recognize that the fortification process may lead to higher energy costs for consumers. As the company seeks funding for these upgrades, there is concern that the increased investment in infrastructure may be passed on to customers in the form of higher rates. This makes the decision to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar power, an increasingly attractive option for those seeking more predictable energy costs.
Economic Advantages and Integration of Solar Solutions
In addition to greater energy security, the Government of Jamaica’s recent Income Tax Credit initiative, which offers up to 30% of the value of a solar system or a maximum of J$1.2 million, adds a financial incentive for those considering solar energy. This initiative can help accelerate the return on investment for solar installations, making it a more viable option for households and businesses looking to reduce their reliance on the grid and manage energy costs more effectively.
There is also a growing interest in integrating solar energy solutions into new developments. Developers and financial institutions are now considering the inclusion of solar power systems in their building designs, which allows homeowners to finance the cost of installation through their mortgage over a 20-30 year period. This approach can make it easier for individuals to transition to solar energy and ensure reliable power supply without the upfront financial burden.
Securing Jamaica’s Energy Future
While JPS’s grid fortification plans are promising, their implementation is likely to take years. As the frequency and intensity of hurricanes continue to rise, it’s becoming increasingly important for Jamaicans to consider alternative energy solutions. Solar power offers a way to ensure energy security, regardless of the timeline for grid upgrades.
In light of these factors, it may be wise for Jamaicans to explore the benefits of solar energy as a way to address both current and future energy needs, while also managing the uncertainty of potential energy rate increases.
Another inclement weather event, another testament to the utility of virtual power plants!
Sunnova Energy International announced today that it powered more than 54,500 customers in Puerto Rico during and after Tropical Storm Ernesto from August 13 to August 19. During the storm, local utility grids were unable to deliver power to approximately half of the residents on the island; in that seven day span, Sunnova solar + storage customers generated 8.05 GWh of energy.
“Keeping the lights on for over 54,500 Puerto Rican customers who lost grid power this month shows the tremendous value of our solar + storage systems,” said William J. (John) Berger, president and chief executive officer at Sunnova. “Nearly half of the Island was without power after the most recent storm, and at such critical and vulnerable times like this, we had the capability to deliver when the local utilities could not. By powering all of these customers in Puerto Rico, we are demonstrating the true power of solar + storage to protect our customers and their communities, and to live life uninterrupted. Our systems protect homeowners and provide peace of mind with clean, resilient power that comes backed by the best service in the industry.”
Sunnova reports about 98.5% of its SunSafe systems in Puerto Rico were undamaged by Ernesto. Sunnova says it sent technician crews out to repair those that did take a hit, performing repairs just hours after the storm struck.
“Once more, the durability and dependability of Sunnova’s solar + storage systems were battle-tested by another major storm and proved to be an excellent source of reliable electricity,” said Paul Mathews, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Sunnova. “It is unfortunate that so many of our customers have dealt with severe weather this summer, but it’s clear that going through storms with Sunnova service provides customers increased resiliency and reliable off-grid power. We are here for the long haul and as demonstrated with our rapid response, our customers can count on us when it matters most. I couldn’t be more proud of our Service teams and their response in Puerto Rico.”
Sunnova is getting used to making positive headlines in the wake of natural disasters. The company’s solar and storage solutions powered more than 5,500 customers across a four-state region during and after Hurricane Debby from August 5 to August 12. Last month, Sunnova reported similar success after it powered the homes of nearly 3,000 customers in the Houston area during and after Hurricane Beryl, which knocked out power to nearly three million utility customers. When Hurricane Fiona struck Puerto Rico in September 2022, Sunnova said its SunSafe solar + storage systems generated nearly 2 GWh of energy in the first two weeks after the storm. Systems provided a combined 3.4 million hours of backup power for solar + storage customers, with an average of 128 hours of power generated per household.
Sunnova is also collaborating with Tenet Energy to accelerate the adoption of solar energy and electric vehicles, offering exclusive promotions encouraging Sunnova customers to purchase an EV with Tenet’s financing options and Tenet customers to adopt Sunnova’s solar energy systems. By using solar panels to charge electric vehicles, homeowners can achieve significant cost savings that amount to potentially hundreds of dollars annually on their electric bills.
Members of the Upper House yesterday passed the Income Tax Amendment Act without changes.
The bill provides for an income tax credit at the rate of 30 per cent of the acquisition and installation cost of a solar photovoltaic system for the taxpayer’s primary residence to a maximum cost of $4 million.
Minister Without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Skills, Digital Transformation and Information, Dr Dana Morris Dixon, who piloted the bill, said the maximum credit an individual will be allowed to claim is $1.2 million.
Senator Morris Dixon said the legislation formalises an important component of the government’s green policy.
This measure forms part of a larger goal to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, said Morris Dixon, adding that the move would substantially increase the share of renewable energy locally.
According to the Cabinet minister, the adoption of photovoltaic systems at the residential levels would lead to substantial savings on electricity bills for Jamaicans.
Leader of Opposition business in the Senate, Peter Bunting, said the legislation would create a material incentive particularly to middle and upper income taxpayers.
He argued that the tax credit would mean nothing to Jamaicans who are currently at or below the income tax threshold.
One of the requirements to benefit from the tax credit is that the taxpayer’s principal place of residence should not be used as a commercial space. Bunting noted that this would disqualify many persons who were operating their micro businesses from home.
JPS ‘FAILED THE TEST’
Meanwhile, Bunting used the opportunity to chide the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) for its lethargic approach in restoring electricity to customers in Manchester South.
He said JPS has “failed the test” in how it is carrying out restoration of power, particularly in Manchester South, but also in St Elizabeth.
The Opposition lawmaker, who is the People’s National Party caretaker for Manchester South, bemoaned the hardships being faced by the majority of residents who have been without power since July 3 when Hurricane Beryl devastated sections of Jamaica’s south coast.
“The entire Grove Town division has no electricity. Just perhaps 40 per cent of Alligator Pond, Newport and Porus have electricity,” he said.
Bunting also complained that the Cross Keys and Asia police stations that serve more than 80 per cent of the constituency have been without electricity.
“These have had no power and therefore they have no radio, they have no communication at all for the last three and a half weeks,” he said.
He said crime has increased in South Manchester, with numerous robberies, break-ins and murders recorded over the period.
“Criminals are able to move now with relative abandon so the implications are many. These are implications for security and commerce, with the police urging businesses to close early as they cannot guarantee them service after dark,” Bunting noted.
