Police launch patrols in Trelawny to combat yam theft

Police are stepping up patrols in southern Trelawny to curb a surge in yam thefts, following reports from farmers that thieves are targeting their yam heads and selling them in Manchester markets.

“We had the meeting to come up with strategies to curb the illegal practice and prevent farmers from resorting to vigilantism,” said Orville Bushay, deputy superintendent of police in charge of Praedial Larceny for Area One, whch includes Trelawny, St James, Hanover, and Westmoreland.

He was speaking at a meeting with yam farmers in South Trelawny on Thursday.

According to Bushay, immediate measures include patrols on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the days when thieves reportedly transport stolen yam heads to markets in Manchester.

Several farmers outline their loses.

“I have lost 113 hills of yam heads. That is an average of 300 lbs. At $500 per lb, that is encouragement for the thieves,”Wire Fence farmer Winston Smith told The Gleaner

Bradley Sterling, another frustrated farmer, said he was already grappling with losses following the passage of Hurricane Melissa last October.

“I lost a lot during the hurricane. Now that I am trying to get back on my feet, here come the thieves,” he said. “I am going to plant short-term crops like cabbage and carrots to help me recover.”

Authorities say the new patrols are part of an ongoing effort to protect farmers and prevent further losses.

- Leon Jackson

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