The Clarendon Police are investigating the killing of an alleged goat thief in Rock River, Clarendon, after he and two others were confronted by residents.
Police say they have been seeing an increase in praedial larceny especially in the southern parts of the parish.
The three goat thieves were allegedly cornered by residents of Tanarchy District in Rock River, Clarendon early Monday morning.
CVM Live understands that one of the men was chopped to death.
Another was badly injured and is now hospitalized, while the third man managed to escape the wrath of the residents.
Reports are that the three men went into the community to steal goats, but their plans were thwarted by residents who raised an alarm.
CVM Live also understands the men who were traveling in a Toyota Isis motor car with the animals, were confronted by residents as they tried to leave the community.
The vehicle was then set ablaze, allegedly by the residents.
Sergeant Negus Russel who is sub-officer at the Praedial Larceny Unit in the Clarendon Police Division says the parish is seeing an increase in praedial larceny when compared to 2019.
He says the police have received numerous reports of praedial larceny in
Mineral Heights, Coastes Pen, Kemps Hill, Race Course, Lionel Town and Hayes..
He says since the onset of the festive season the Clarendon police have strengthened their efforts to clamp down on those involved in praedial larceny.
He says thieves are even renting motor vehicles to carry out the illicit act.
Meanwhile Sergeant Russel says farmers should increase their efforts to protect their livestocks , especially as perpetrators are sometimes fully armed.
The Sergeant is however urging residents and farmers to avoid taking matters into their own hands.
The Clarendon Police say they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
