Shanique Samuels, Star Writer
Deputy superintendent of police with the Praedial Larceny Unit, Kevin Francis, is calling for the government to treat praedial larceny as a primary issue just like any other serious crime.
Making reference to the theft of several colonies of bees from separate locations in Clarendon last week, he noted that the theft of bees has been going on across the country for a long time, but has been under-reported.
"We are trying to make this situation known, that it is illegal to be transporting the bees, boxes or any part of the hives on the roads," he said.
Superintendent Francis explained that such an act is punishable by law under the Bee Act, and persons can actually be arrested and charged for it.
He added that the business of apiculture has become quite lucrative and that is why thieves are now targeting the small businesses.
"I want to reassure farmers that the unit is up and running and is in the process of establishing farm watches across the island," he said.
In the meantime he is appealing to persons with information on last week's series of thefts or any other acts of praedial larceny to cooperate with the police without fear of being compromised.
In a show of support to the apiculturist who lost 10 boxes of bees to thieves between Wednesday night and Thursday morning last week, he sought to reassure her that an investigation has commenced and that the investigators, through the praedial larceny unit, are doing everything they can to recoup her almost half a million dollars in losses.
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