By Kisean Joseph
Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation into a break-in at the Ministry of Agriculture Building on Queen Elizabeth Highway and Independence Drive, after suspects attempted to steal air conditioning units designated for public distribution through the Department of Environment (DoE) on Monday night.
Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting its impact on community welfare.
“I wish to express my disappointment at the extent thieves are going in our community,” he told Observer. “This project was an initiative to assist our community in an area of need, and to see this action which is sending a negative signal to our community is very disheartening,” Commissioner Rodney said.
He also issued a stern warning to the public against purchasing any stolen units and urged citizens to report any suspicious activities or information about the perpetrators to the police immediately.
The incident occurred around 3:30am on Tuesday when law enforcement responded swiftly to reports of suspicious activity at the location. Upon arrival, officers discovered several air conditioning units removed from storage and placed on the ground outside the building. A vehicle found on the premises was seized as evidence, and one suspect is currently in police custody assisting with investigations.
Meanwhile, the DoE’s Director expressed gratitude for the quick response of the officers. “The police acted really quickly and professionally. We are very fortunate that they were able to step in and help us,” Ambassador Diann Black-Layne Black-Layne said, noting that this incident was among multiple attempted break-ins at the facility.
The attempted theft has raised concerns about security at the facility, particularly as it coincides with the DoE’s scheduled distribution days for their AC unit program. However, the department has since announced immediate security enhancements, including the deployment of armed guards at the premises to prevent further attempts.
The incident echoes a concerning trend of break-ins across the country, with recent reports of similar crimes targeting churches and private residences.
“Our primary concern is the safety of our staff and ensuring these units reach their intended recipients,” Black-Layne said. “We don’t want anyone getting hurt over AC units. These situations can potentially turn dangerous, and we’re taking every precaution to prevent that.”
The DoE is currently managing an active distribution programme for air conditioning units, with scheduled distribution days set for today and tomorrow. In light of the incident, officials are urging recipients who have received their invoices to complete their payments and collect their units promptly to minimise security risks.
“We’re encouraging everybody who has been contacted to please pay for their AC units and arrange a collection as soon as possible,” Black-Layne said. “If payment is currently difficult, we understand and can defer to future shipments, but our priority is to distribute the current inventory efficiently and safely.”
The DoE is also reviewing its distribution procedures for future shipments to enhance security measures.
For residents who are unable to make payments immediately, the DoE has offered flexibility in their distribution schedule by allowing for deferrals to future shipment arrivals.
This approach aims to maintain orderly distribution while accommodating recipients who may be experiencing financial setbacks.
Members of the public who have received notifications about their AC units are advised to check their emails for receipts and payment instructions.
For further information about the distribution schedule or payment arrangements, recipients are encouraged to contact the DoE directly.
The Ministry of Agriculture and DoE remain operational, with distribution continuing as scheduled under enhanced security measures. Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
