Agricultural Protection Branch to step up fight against farm theft in St Ann

The Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is stepping up its campaign against praedial larceny and cattle theft in Area 2, particularly in the Claremont, St Ann region.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Oral Pascoe, commanding officer of the APB, conducted a meeting with stakeholders on Tuesday, reaffirming the branch’s commitment to eradicating these persistent crimes.

It was noted that the engagement follows a direct appeal from a female farmer who met Pascoe at a recent Agricultural show in Area 2.

She shared her devastating losses of over eighty cows, costing her millions, in 2024,.

This alarming account underscored the branch’s need for enhanced intervention and presence in St Ann.

Pascoe, members from APB headquarters and the Area 2 APB team, led by Inspector Maurice McBean, all made there way to the over 600-acre farm belonging to the female farmer.

The team met with stakeholders and discussed the critical need for special monitoring in the area, the initiatives that are in place to curb the farm related-crimes, and the avenues through which farmers can safely report these crimes.

Members of the St Ann farming community expressed that criminals are reportedly persistent and employ intimidation tactics to deter farmers from reporting the incidents.

Meanwhile, the APB team assured the stakeholders that though this climate of fear has historically hindered effective law efforts, this arm of the constabulary is specially designed to mitigate these

issues.

“We will be pursuing every case, and deny the criminals bail if needs be, as we must put a stop to this issue of praedial larceny and the larceny of cattle,” said Pascoe.

It was signalled that the APB is focusing on rigorous prosecution and leveraging legal avenues in keeping repeat offenders off the streets.

Furthermore, the APB aims to dismantle criminal networks involved in agricultural theft, which has long plagued the livelihoods of Jamaican farmers.

The Area 2 APB promises intensified operations, including increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and closer monitoring and collaboration with community members to build trust in reporting.

Farmers are urged to report all incidents of praedial larceny and farm theft to the nearest police station.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.