Jamaica: Kingston police uncovers car theft ring

The Kingston East Police just announced that they have discovered several scrapped vehicles, license plates and car parts in Millbrook Height, St. Andrew. The police suspect that they have uncovered a car theft ring.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Collin McKenzie, shared through the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s social media pages in a two-minute video that with the help of the proactive investigation unit, they discovered an unusual number of “motor vehicle parts, mechanical parts and a quantity of 15 license plates”.

It is believed that these parts are suspected to be stolen from Steer Town, Portmore, Duhaney Park and some other areas in the vicinity. DSP McKenzie is appealing to anyone with information to contact the Elletson Road Police at 876-928-1261 or the nearest police station.

Jamaica is currently suffering from a hike in car thefts, with some reports suggesting that a car is stolen every seven hours in the country, with only one in ten being recovered, compared to the United States, which has a 64.1% recovery rate for its car thefts.

A similar epidemic was seen and combated in the mid-2010s, with one report suggesting a private car theft rate of 21.6 cases per 100,000 population in 2015. It is for these reasons that Jamaican authorities have consistently and vocally suggested to average citizens to implement security measures in their vehicles such as car alarms, trackers and so on.

The Jamaican Constabulary Force's (JCF) efforts extend beyond reactive measures. The JCF actively invests in training and resources to enhance its investigative capabilities and dismantle criminal organizations. Additionally, collaborative efforts with communities are crucial. Initiatives like neighbourhood watch programs and public awareness campaigns can empower citizens to recognize suspicious activity and report it promptly, further aiding the fight against car theft.

While tackling car theft requires a multi-faceted approach, the recent discovery in Millbrook Heights offers a glimmer of hope. The dedication and collaboration between the police and the public can significantly deter criminal activity and ensure safer communities for all.