Key Takeaways
- Superintendent McCarthy announced the arrest of gang members linked to commercial break-ins in Portland, St. Mary, and St. Ann.
- The police specifically targeted businesses with gaming or poker machines to disrupt the gang’s activities.
- Suspects John Bennett (‘Badby’) and Rolando Thomas (‘Lando’) are now in custody, while others remain at large.
- Reports indicate arrests have led to a noticeable reduction in break-ins in Portland, highlighting their connection to the offenses.
- The police are enhancing community engagement and intelligence-driven operations to further prevent organized property crimes.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Superintendent Ainsley McCarthy, the Commanding Officer of the Portland Police Division, has shared that the police have successfully disrupted an organized criminal gang. Investigators believed this gang is behind a series of commercial break-ins in Portland.
Moreover, there is evidence that the gang is responsible for crimes in St. Mary, and St. Ann. This is great news for our community!
McCarthy highlighted that this gang specifically targeted businesses. In particular, they targeted establishments with gaming or poker machines, which span across the three areas.
“There’s a group that has been a significant source of concern across all three parishes in Area Two. They break into places, especially those with poker machines,” McCarthy shared during a recent news report from the Constabulary Communications Network (CCN).
His remarks came during the Police Commissioner’s Area Two Town Hall Meeting. During that meeting, he noted that the police had recently arrested and charged several gang members in St. Ann. This brings a sense of relief to our communities that have endured repeated burglaries.
Police linked “Badby,” and “Lando” to the criminal gang operating in Portland, St Ann and St Mary.
Among those apprehended were John Bennett, known as ‘Badby,’ and Rolando Thomas, referred to as ‘Lando,’ who are now safely in custody. Meanwhile, other suspected gang members are still on the loose. Therefore, the police are diligently focusing on tracking them down.
In a proactive step, McCarthy explained that the Portland police shared the suspects’ photographs and names on the division’s Facebook page after the arrests in St. Ann. This initiative aims to keep residents informed about the gang’s activities. Furthermore, it is meant to enhance community vigilance.
McCarthy noted that Investigators have observed a direct correlation between the arrests of certain suspects and a reduction in reported break-ins in Portland. He said, “During the time that SSP Russell had these individuals in custody in St. Ann, we experienced no break-ins in Portland. We now know that they are directly involved in break-ins in the parish.”
McCarthy confidently assured the community that the police are actively monitoring suspects linked to organized property crimes. With renewed enthusiasm, the division is enhancing intelligence-driven operations to prevent commercial burglaries. Moreover, they are working to effectively dismantle criminal networks operating across parish lines. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone!