Farmers in Valencia are welcoming plans for increased police patrols by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Mounted Branch, aimed at tackling praedial larceny and improving security in the agricultural community.
The initiative comes on the heels of consultations between the Sills Farmers Support Group and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, during which farmers voiced concerns about praedial larceny, crop theft and other criminal activity affecting their livelihoods.
The initiative was advanced by Inspector Callender of the Eastern Division, who pointed to the success of similar patrols in other agricultural communities.
“There were some similar concerns in the Orange Grove area as it relates to praedial larceny and other offences, so an initiative that were in the works were to have the Mounted Branch come on board to patrol the areas that the vehicles cannot access, right, and you would have seen that happening there and since then it has drastically reduced the offence of praedial larceny.”
On Tuesday, police officers met with farmers in Valencia to discuss the implementation of the initiative and the way forward.
President of the Sills Farmers Support Group, Bindra Maharaj, said the increased patrols are expected to provide farmers with a greater sense of security and reassurance as they continue their agricultural activities.
He also stressed the importance of continued collaboration among farmers, law enforcement and other stakeholders, noting that such partnerships are critical to the long-term growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.