Farmers losing JA$5 billion annually to thieves

Police find new measures to crack down on crop theft in Jamaica.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Friday March 2, 2012 – Police are moving to crack down on praedial larceny across the country that costs farmers JA$5 billion yearly.

The latest move may see result in all those who purchase agriculture products to report such transactions to divisional police heads in the parishes where the goods are being transported.

Police Commissioner, Mr. Owen Ellington said such practices would allow lawmen to trace the source of goods easier as lawmen continue to make several arrests under the praedial larceny prevention programme.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Produce Receipt book system has been relaunched, and will form part of a zero-tolerance approach to all acts of theft of agricultural produce island-wide.

At the same time, farmers are being encouraged to register under the programme and safeguard their investments.

In fact, praedial larceny prevention co-ordinator, Mr. Reginald Grant is warning that farmers who fail to register were in breach and could face fines of up to $250, 000 or up to a year in prison.

The success of the praedial larceny prevention programme is dependent heavily on the continued registration and verification of farmers, forging closer partnerships between stakeholders in the agricultural sector and updating database of current farmers and produce. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)