Detectives at the St. Mary Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) have apprehended two 18-year-old suspects believed to be responsible for a series of break-ins in the Port Maria area in the parish. The arrests were made in the early hours of Wednesday, December 11. A team of police officers reportedly observed the two men while patrolling in Port Maria in the parish. The two men were seen standing near a shop, acting in a manner that aroused the suspicion of the police team. The team accosted the men and searched them, along with the surrounding area; one steel cutter was found.

The team probed further and the two emerged as suspects in a break-in at a nearby establishment, where an undetermined sum of cash was stolen. They were arrested. Detectives then conducted a follow-up operation at a premises in Parry Town, St. Ann, occupied by an associate of the suspects. This operation resulted in the recovery of several stolen items. However, no arrests were made. The two men were subsequently interviewed and have since been linked to six previous break-ins in Port Maria between November 12 and 13, 2024. Charges are currently pending against them, as investigations continue.

The St. Mary Police remain committed to ensuring the safety of the communities they serve, especially during the Yuletide season. As they continue to work to prevent crimes and bring offenders to justice, detectives urge anyone with information related to crimes in the division to come forward and assist. Persons may contact the Port Maria CIB at 876-994-2223, Crime Stop at 311, the NIB tip line at 811, or any police station.