Three men are now in custody following a dramatic incident Tuesday afternoon involving the theft of a goat in Salt Marsh, Trelawny. Members of the Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) intercepted the suspects after spotting them placing the animal into a vehicle and attempting to flee the scene.
🚨 PRAEDIAL LARCENY IN ACTION
The alleged theft occurred around 4:30 PM, when officers observed the men alight from a white Toyota Axio, grab a goat, and hastily place it in the car. The APB officers pursued the vehicle, conducted a stop, and found three men along with the stolen animal inside.
🚓 SEIZED AND DETAINED
The motor vehicle was also seized as part of the investigation. All three suspects were taken to the Falmouth Police Station where formal questioning and investigations are ongoing.
📍 RESIDENTS' COMPLAINTS CONFIRMED
Inspector Orville Bushay, head of the APB for the Area One Police Division, revealed that the unit had been receiving numerous reports of goat thefts from Salt Marsh residents. Notably, these reports specifically mentioned a white Toyota Axio, suggesting this arrest could be connected to a wider pattern of praedial larceny in the area.
🗣️ POLICE VOW ZERO TOLERANCE
“We are resolute in our mission to stamp out all forms of stealing—whether livestock or crop,” Inspector Bushay said. He emphasized the APB's commitment to defending Jamaica’s agricultural communities and warned that praedial thieves will be relentlessly pursued.
🗣️ OUR OPINION
Praedial larceny isn’t just petty theft it’s an attack on livelihoods. These arrests are a strong step in restoring trust and security in rural areas. Still, there’s room for better technology, surveillance, and community-police partnerships to make these criminals think twice.