Cops arrested in connection with robbery of elderly returning resident couple

Danae Hyman, Online Reporter

President of the Jamaica Association for Resettlement of Returning Residents Percival LaTouche is calling for more to be done to protect returning residents from rogue members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

LaTouche says he's not surprised that four cops have been arrested by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency in connection with the robbery of an elderly couple in Hellshire, Portmore, St Catherine, last week.

According to him, returning residents have long been targets of rogue cops.

He added that strong action needs to be taken to stop this.

"Most of those robberies that are taking place on those highways and other places involve the police. It is happening regularly in St Thomas, it is happening regularly in Lucea, it is happening regularly in Hellshire and Portmore, and most residents just don't report it. They often just leave the country the following day," claimed LaTouche.

According to LaTouche, returning residents are more susceptible to robbery because of information, such as finances, tax returns, and home address, that they have to disclose to Customs officials when returning home.

"Those things are your private business that no one should see, and these people are collecting it and sending it to their friends. They are all mixed up together," LaTouche claimed.

He said the Hellshire couple's overseas trip was cut short when they were made aware that their house was broken into on Sunday, February 17.

On their return, they discovered that the thieves had stolen $17 million worth of jewellery and other items.

The couple subsequently made a report to the Hellshire Police Station.

It is reported that three days later, men clad in blue uniforms, who allegedly identified themselves as being attached to the Portmore police, turned up at the couple's house, claiming that they were there to collect additional information about the robbery report.

The elderly couple was reportedly robbed by the men, who stole US$5,000 and other items.

The men were subsequently held by police investigators, and it was discovered that they are members of the JCF.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.