$13m jewellery, gun heist

SPUR TREE, Manchester:

Thieves made off with J$13 million worth of jewellery and a licensed firearm following a house break-in in Spur Tree on Monday, the police have confirmed.

According to police reports, a Glock 17C 9mm pistol and thirty-seven 9mm cartridges were stolen. Additionally, two Rolex watches, with an estimated value of US$80,000, one Marc Jacobs watch priced at US$5,000, an engagement ring costing US$3,500, and other jewellery amounting to more than US$5,000 were taken.

The police have since launched an investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Gary Francis, the commanding officer of the Manchester Police Division, is calling for licensed firearm holders to exercise greater care for weapons.

“We are coming from a stage where there were 12 firearms reported stolen in 2018 to three in 2019, but more public education needs to be done,” he told The Gleaner.

Francis cautioned licensed firearm holders against leaving their weapons at home when travelling overseas.

“Every time a firearm is stolen, that is one more illegal firearm on the road ... . Even if you have a safe, you leave for overseas and there is a break-in, that safe can be (removed).

“Some of the criminals responsible for the break-ins are skilled people. Some are masons by trade, so they know exactly what to do,” he added.

Licensed firearm holders are advised to leave their weapons at the Firearm Licensing Authority or at specific police stations.

– Tamara Bailey