Police arrest suspect linked to multiple house break-ins in St Andrew

A man suspected of being involved in several house break-ins across the St Andrew North Police Division has been arrested.

He was apprehended this morning during operations conducted by police personnel.

According to the police, the man was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) on at least two separate occasions carrying out break-ins.

Investigators say the use of CCTV footage proved critical in identifying and tracking the suspect.

Meanwhile, detectives in the division have indicated that charges are expected to be laid soon against men who were caught removing items from a house in the Merrivale community on Wednesday night.

The men were arrested on reasonable suspicion of burglary, larceny, and possession of housebreaking implements.

Police reported that officers responded to information and arrived at premises on Merrivale Avenue, where the men were allegedly caught in the act.

A grille cutter, several household items, and a white Toyota Hino truck, believed to have been used to transport the stolen goods, were seized during the operation.

The owner of the premises was subsequently contacted and later visited the police station, where the items were positively identified as belonging to them.

Head of the St Andrew North Police Division, Superintendent Randy Sweeney, is urging residents and members of the business community to take proactive measures to safeguard their property, particularly by installing CCTV systems.

According to Superintendent Sweeney, this morning’s apprehension highlights the growing importance of surveillance technology in crime-fighting efforts, noting that CCTV footage has become an increasingly valuable investigative tool.

Police have also pointed to robbery and housebreaking statistics within the division, which they say underscore the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation.

As at January 31, the division recorded two incidents of house break-ins and three robberies.

Residents are being encouraged to report suspicious activities and to work closely with the police as efforts continue to clamp down on property-related crimes.

- Andre Williams

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.