JCF establishes Agricultural Protection Branch to tackle praedial larceny

 

Farmers are being promised greater protection with the creation of the Agricultural Protection Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). 

 

The JCF had previously established praedial larceny prevention coordination units in response to increased complaints about a theft of agricultural produce and livestock. 

 

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green announced the creation of the Agricultural Protection Branch during his Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon.

 

"This...will be headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police with a clear mission to enforce laws/regulations governing agriculture, to develop strategies to prevent and investigate agricultural related crimes and to safeguard the livelihood of our farmers. The branch will be staffed with a senior superintendent, a superintendent in charge of special investigations, an agricultural wardens division, and a drones unit which will provide surveillance support in the fight against praedial larceny," the minister announced, adding that the move marked a "new era in the fight against praedial larceny".

 

Mr. Green said Cabinet has also approved amendments to the Praedial Larceny Prevention Act. 

 

More than 243 candidates have already completed some of the requirements to effect duties as the first set of agricultural wardens. 

 

The sector loses an estimated $14 billion to theft annually. In 2024, 139 arrests were made for praedial larceny, up from 78 in the previous year.