While most persons use cellular phones for communication purposes, praedial thieves in St Thomas have taken a novel approach to their illegal activities by using the devices as a light source.

The brazen action left personnel at a rural station baffled after three men were caught red-handed by the police.

The men were held on the weekend on a man's farm using their cellular phone lights to select mature peas.

When the police responded, the men were allegedly spotted with the phone lights searching diligently.

gungo peas

Further checks revealed several crocus bags of gungo peas properly packaged for transportation.

They were arrested on suspicion of praedial larceny.

It was revealed that praedial larceny continues to be a problem in the parish.

The police are steadfast to help and rid the parish of the illegal practice of persons preying on the labour of others.