Jamaica police say constable slain in crime area

Published May 05, 2013

Associated Press

KINGSTON, Jamaica –  Police in Jamaica are investigating the killing of a police constable in a high-crime area in the southern part of the Caribbean island.

The high command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force says Constable Michael Townsend was slain Sunday near May Pen in Clarendon parish. Police have declined to immediately provide any further details, saying that further information will be released later.

The Jamaica Observer newspaper says Townsend was killed in a gun attack, possibly as he was visiting friends or relatives.

The island of 2.7 million people had 1,087 homicides last year. Most of Jamaica's violence takes place in rough slums, with tourist resorts largely crime-free.

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Councilwoman wants to make it a crime to buy knockoff handbags in NYC

Published April 07, 2013

New York Post

Drop the Gucci, and put your hands up!

Councilwoman Margaret Chin wants to make it a crime to buy sham Chanels, pirated Pradas and other counterfeit handbags in Chinatown.

The Manhattan Democrat’s bill would slap tourists and bargain hunters caught buying designer fakes with a maximum $1,000 fine and up to a year in prison.

Chin and lower-Manhattan residents are petitioning for a hearing on the measure, saying Canal Street peddlers are spilling into side streets to harass anyone passing by.

“People think it’s an adventure,” Chin told The New York Post. “If you want to get these name-brand knock-offs at a cheap price, you go to Chinatown.

“It’s always illegal for people to sell, but it’s not illegal for the people who buy this stuff,” she added. “Hopefully, this law will cut down on the demand.”

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