Cops recover nearly $18 million in stolen agricultural produce

The Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting the recovery of more than $17.6 million worth of stolen agricultural produce, including cattle and goats, since January.

Established in 2025, the APB is charged with preventing, investigating, and combating praedial larceny (farm theft) and other agricultural crimes to protect farmers and secure national food safety. Commander for Area 3 of the APB, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tedroy Clarke, said that more than 2,200 charges have been laid against persons in connection with agricultural crimes.

Addressing the Clarendon Praedial Larceny Farmer Sensitisation meeting at the Denbigh Showground in the parish, Clarke said the APB has received more than 196 reports since January. The APB, which is headquartered in Kingston, operates across the JCF’s five Area Commands, with Area 3 comprising Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth.

Clarke reported that Area 3 officers, on an average day, sensitise more than 140 persons, visit more than 100 farms, inspect over 50 agricultural produce receipts, visit more than 20 abattoirs, and conduct more than 20 operations. He urged farmers to report stolen livestock and produce as soon as possible, as such reports help the APB to identify crime hotspots and determine where patrols and targeted operations are needed.

Clarke also encouraged farmers to take steps to strengthen security on their properties, through tagging cattle; securing gates, tools and fuel; installing lighting and alarms where possible; and using solar-powered cameras and other technology to monitor farms. He said they should register their animals under the National Animal Identification and Traceability System, maintain accurate records and receipts, and keep photographs and unique identifying marks of their animals, particularly goats, informing that such records can assist police in identifying livestock when stolen animals are recovered. He further advised farmers to carefully verify the identity and background of persons employed on their farms, noting that investigators have encountered cases where farm owners could only provide aliases or physical descriptions of employees.

He further encouraged farmers to establish discreet farm-watch networks, record suspicious vehicle licence plates and, where safe, take photographs of suspicious activity. However, he warned farmers not to confront suspects or engage in “jungle justice”, urging them instead to preserve evidence and contact the police through 119, 311 or their nearest police station.