ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – A man was arrested and charged with breaches of the Praedial Larceny Act after dozens of stolen corn were recovered by the St Catherine South police yesterday.

Charged with praedial larceny is Michael Taylor, a 35-year-old higgler from Burke Road in Old Harbour in the parish. Taylor is expected to face the St Catherine Parish Court next week.

Reports are that around 2:00 am, police were on patrol in Old Harbour when they observed a man on a bicycle with a bag near a district called Colbeck.

The man tried to elude the police but was pursued and held. The bag was searched, and dozens of corn found. Taylor was detained.

Further investigations were conducted, and an additional 17- dozen corns were recovered. The police later identified the farm from where the corns were stolen.

Superintendent Hopton Nicholson, operations officer for St Catherine South division, said the police will be focusing on the retailers and end users who facilitate those who steal from farmers.

“We implore vendors, restaurant owners and householders, in general, to always purchase food items and meats from legitimate sources. The St Catherine South police will continue to pursue those who want to reap what they didn’t sow,” Nicholson said.

“We encourage the general citizenry to report suspicious persons and activities to the police as we aim to reduce the incidents of praedial larceny across the division.”