According to Nationwide, the Falmouth pound, which Jamaica Transport Authority runs, is a roost for a multi-million dollar car parts racket. And the authorities fear similar illegal activities are occurring at several pounds across the Island.

And there are fears that similar rackets are taking place at several pounds across the Island.

The Authority’s Internal Audit team uncovered the widespread theft of car parts during a visit to the Trelawny pound.

Internal auditors discovered nearly 70% of the 37 cars impounded at the location were scrapped.

The shocking discovery raises questions about the security arrangements at the Transport Authority’s pounds nationwide.

The thieves’ choice of cars are Honda Civics and Accords, Toyota Corollas, Mitsubishi Montero Sports, Suzuki Vitaras, and Mazdas.

The Transport Authority impounded some vehicles from as far back as 2017. The thieves scrapped them of their engines, radios, radiators, batteries, tires, seats, and other accessories. 

Interestingly, the auditors could not find vehicles the thieves scrapped in the pound’s database.

The auditors estimated the value of the stolen parts amounts to millions of dollars.

Licensed firearm holder stymied a robbery in St Mary.

Police in St. Mary arrested two suspects following an attempted robbery in the Lewis Store community, St. Mary, on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

According to reports, at about 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, a businessman had just returned home when two men, one armed with a gun, approached him.

The businessman entered his dwelling, used his licensed firearm, and opened fire at the men. The men ran. But they were confronted by another licensed firearm holder who shot and injured one of the assailants.

One of the gunmen reportedly dropped a pistol with a magazine containing several rounds of ammunition.

Residents in the community handed over the injured thug and the weapon to the police.

The other assailant escaped, but the police later captured him. 

The police arrested both suspects for attempted robbery, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of ammunition, and shooting with intent.

The investigation continues.