Saint Lucia’s Praedial Larceny Unit has cautioned citizens against facilitating thieves by buying produce they suspect might have been stolen.
Dellan Emmanuel, the Supervisor of the Unit’s Micoud Team, explained that thieves might steal crops farmers have treated for pests or fungus.
Emmanuel disclosed that if consumed, the crops could be harmful to health.
He said stolen animals might be sick or treated for illness as a precautionary measure.
“The thieves do not care about any of us. All they care about is making a quick buck,” Emmanuel asserted.
He told St. Lucia Times that food safety and security have become priorities for the Praedial Larceny Unit.
Emmanuel urged vendors not to buy agricultural produce or animals from people they know are not farmers.
“Praedial Larceny will not only hurt our farmers and their families, but it can also affect us, as some of the stolen produce or animals are not fit for consumption,” the Praedial Larceny Unit official stated.
Emmanuel said the Unit has increased patrols to deter or prevent praedial Larceny.
However, he appealed to citizens to play their part and report any suspected activity of praedial Larceny directly to the Unit or the nearest police station.
Emmanuel said it is an offence to dishonestly receive any agricultural produce that is stolen or unlawfully obtained.
In addition, he noted that October is Creole Heritage Month, when people enjoy local dishes.
“Consumption of exotic meat like opossum becomes more prevalent during this month. As a result, the Praedial Larceny unit would like to remind individuals that under the Wildlife Protection Act, it is illegal to kill opossums and to remove crayfish from the rivers of Saint Lucia,” Emmanuel told St. Lucia Times.
He also reminded vendors that they should only sell crayfish raised in a pond and not taken from Saint Lucia’s rivers.
Regarding lobsters, Emmanuel observed that vendors should not sell undersized ones.
Headline photo: File image of police checking vehicle.
Well those thieves who are stealing plantain in la Ressource vieux Fort need to put a stop to that …
Well there are people who are selling by the road and are seeing the thieves but they are not talking as they are all related some of them are evening encouraging them young boys to do that as they are buying the young plantain . They all are thieves and will remain poor …
Not just in vieux fort but all over the island all they do is drink alcohol, smoke coke cocaine and steal from farmer …
All them young men who are selling Jelly coconuts by the La Ressource bridge in vieux are thieves
Whether or not you believe ..the fact is this ..everyone will certainly reap exactly what they sow …..karma will have its way and you will reap much worst. Therefore, if you love yourself and your offsprings or family BE VERY VERY CAREFUL AND STOP THE EVIL. That’s why I have now come to understand …par dee poor jab…..