KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has reported that 83 suspected praedial larcenists have been arrested so far this year compared to the 23 that were arrested for the corresponding period from January to July last year.

The police said that this continued effort by the Praedial Larceny Prevention Unit (PLPU), has resulted in renewed confidence in the agricultural sector.

In addition, a release from the JCF’s Corporate Communications Unit said two illegal firearms were recovered, which is a similar figure for the corresponding period in 2016.

“Over 387 vehicles were stopped, checked and searched and 103 breaches of the Road Traffic Act detected and tickets issued accordingly. Three vehicles were seized and seven summonses served.

Over 112 Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) receipts were inspected and found to be updated and in order. Thirty-three stolen animals were recovered compared to 31 for the same period in 2016,” CCU outlined.

Additionally, 67 farm security assessments were conducted compared to 21 for the corresponding period.

Head of the Unit, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Kevin Francis, said that “the unit continues to contribute meaningfully to the restoration of confidence in the agricultural sector and the reduction of serious crimes to include murders.”

He also pointed out that there is on-going training and sensitisation for members of the JCF on the work of the unit and the impact that praedial larceny is having on the country. To this end, sensitisation has been done with more than 414 police officers between January and July 2017.