The JCF’s Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) 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, reassured stakeholders at a meeting on Tuesday of his unit’s commitment to eradicating these persistent crimes.

This proactive 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 2024, exceeding eighty cows, and costing her millions.

This alarming account underscored the branch’s need for enhanced intervention and presence in the parish of St Ann. Commander Pascoe, members from APB headquarters and the Area 2 APB team, led by Inspector Maurice McBean, visited 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.

Pascoe said: “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.”

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 to include 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; ask for an APB member, with assurance of confidential and swift action.