COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURAL PROTECTION BRANCH (APB) LEADS ANTI-LARCENY INITIATIVE IN AREA 2
Senior Superintendent of Police and commanding officer of the Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) Mr. Oral Pascoe concluded a three-day-tour of the St. Ann farming community on Saturday, 13 September 2025; emphasizing a renewed commitment to combating livestock larceny and praedial larceny. On Thursday, September 11, Senior Superintendent Pascoe personally joined the Area 2 APB team, and engaged agricultural stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of strict law enforcement within the agricultural sector.
The visit, aimed directly at addressing the persistent challenges posed by agricultural theft, which significantly impacts the livelihoods of farmers, butchers, and other stakeholders in Jamaica’s agricultural industry, was welcomed by the agricultural community. During the tour commander Pascoe underscored to his team the critical need to enforce laws related to larceny of livestock and praedial larceny.
He reminds them to diligently prosecute these offenders. He stated, “going forward we will be prosecuting praedial larcenist and other breaches related to agricultural legislation. Our key objective is to strengthen enforcement and the compliance framework. This will protect farmers, stakeholders and enhance Jamaica’s national food security.” This firm stance is intended to ensure compliance with regulations governing the agricultural sector and to deter future criminal activity. Commander Pascoe recounts Deputy Commissioner of Police, Warren Clarke’s stance of an intelligence driven and zero tolerance approach in combatting agricultural crimes, and the stabilising of food production in sustaining the economy.
The APB’s intensified efforts in St. Ann reflect a broader strategy to safeguard agricultural production and ensure the economic stability of farming communities. Agricultural crimes continue to lead to substantial financial losses and discourage investment in the sector. The APB’s direct involvement in prosecuting larcenist highlights the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF’s) dedication to supporting agricultural stakeholders and maintaining order within these communities.
Meanwhile, the three-day-long tour took the team through various communities of Brown’s Town in St. Ann namely, Orange Hill, Linton Park, Friendship District and Egypt Road. Seven individuals were arrested for breaches of the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS), an identification and registration system for the Jamaican livestock population beginning with bovine animals (cattle). This system incorporates the animals’ identity, ownership, geographical location and movement activity. The persons charged were found with animals (cattle) that were untagged and for which they could not account.
Overall, Commander Pascoe and his team engaged with local farmers and listened to their concerns, reiterating the APB’s commitment to protecting their assets. The initiative is expected to foster greater trust between law enforcement and the farming community, with the hope of encouraging more reporting of incidents and collaboration in crime prevention. The JCF urge all citizens to report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station.