The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Praedial Larceny Prevention Unit (PLPU) yesterday reported that it secured a 95 per cent conviction rate and an overall 14 per cent reduction in praedial larceny incidents for 2017.

According to the force’s communications arm, the unit made 132 arrests for the period January to November 2017, almost double the number for 2016. Deputy Superintendent Kevin Francis, who heads the unit, credited the dramatic uptick to an improvement in awareness among farmers and communities about the dangers of praedial larceny, and increased willingness to report incidents.

Also for 2017, the PLPU team reported that it destroyed 8,200 pounds of uncertified meat, assessed 108 farms for security, recovered 32 stolen animals, and conducted 251 farm visits.

Among the strategies the unit deployed, said DSP Francis, were an increased number of farm watch engagements and abattoir inspections, as well dedicated staff “working relentlessly to achieve commendable results in spite of limited resources”.

According to Francis, this renewed thrust towards enforcement may also be behind a 52 per cent increase in the number of people reporting their intent to slaughter animals.

Another high point for the unit was the Caricom/Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) lecture that was conducted in four countries across the region (Barbados, Guyana, St Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago) to engage youth on the business of agriculture, as well as sensitisation sessions with police officers in praedial larceny hotspots.

DSP Francis said based on the engagements the team has had throughout the year, the message that ‘praedial larceny prevention is everybody’s business’ is beginning to resonate with the general public.

“We will continue to work to end this crime that robs farmers and their families of hard-earned income. We call on all Jamaicans to join us. Let’s end praedial larceny. Report all incidents to the PLPU by calling 927-1731-50. Persons can also utilise the Stay Alert app or call their local police,” said Francis.

Francis also commended his team for “working relentlessly to achieve commendable results in spite of limited resources”.