Faced with massive losses caused by a rise in praedial larceny, farmers across the country have been begging for relief saying more officers should be hired to supplement the Predial Larceny Squad.
And while TTPS officers have provided some patrols, farmers in far-flung areas such as Second Corial Palmyra, RE Road, Los Iros and Williamsville say many of them have left farming because of larceny.
However, Agriculture Minister Kazim Hosein is now assuring farmers that the Predial Larceny Squad will be boosted by 40 more officers and three new vehicles.
Responding to questions on large-scale looting of farmers' crops and livestock in the Senate Chamber on Wednesday afternoon, Hosein said strengthening the Praedial Larceny Unit to protect farmers remains a priority.
He pleaded with thieves to "raise your own livestock and plant your own crops" rather than steal from hard-working farmers.
“It takes farmers months and years to mind and sell these animals and people coming to loot; I am appealing to those intent on committing illegal activities to leave the farmer's stock alone, go mind your animals, and plant your own," Hosein said.
He noted that his Ministry staff is working assiduously to address the Unit's issues and assured the public "I am on top of it."
The Minister revealed that in the medium term, he intends to hire 40 more officers to boost the Squad.
Further discussions with the Ministry of Public Administration for additional staffing, will continue, he added.
Emphasizing the importance of building the capacity of the Squad, Hosein said this will be done based on the availability of funding.
He agreed with farmers that there was a critical need for officers to be able to efficiently respond to calls by farmers.
He also revealed three new fully equipped vehicles will be purchased for use by the Squad.
"It is anticipated that these will improve the ability of officers to conduct patrols," Hosein said.
He also added that despite the constraints, they are employing innovative solutions.
“Due to heightened illegal activity impacting our farmers, the Praedial Larceny Squad has been utilizing its connections with the TTPS, Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service (TTMPS) and the Estate Management and Business Development Company Limited (EMBD) Police to respond and assist," he explained.
He also gave the assurance that all concerns made by the Squad will be addressed.
Since May last year, former TTPS Public Information officer Sheridon Hill has been warning of an increase in predial larceny reports.
MP for Moruga, Michelle Benjamin also said 50 per cent of the people in her constituency were involved in farming and praedial larceny has been a big problem since the Unit went down.
She said farmers from La Savanne, Tableland Pineapple producers, Cunjal Food Crop farmers, as well as farmers from Moruga, have all been hard hit by larceny but when farmers report larceny to the police, there is little response.