Tracker leads cops to gang of thieves
18 phones, two laptops among items recovered
Published:Tuesday | August 2, 2022 | 12:08 AMAshley Anguin/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Three men were held and two others are being sought after more than $2 million worth of gadgets stolen from partygoers in Negril on the weekend were recovered when a smartphone tracking feature led police to the gang of suspected thieves.
Among the electronic devices recovered were 16 iPhones, two Samsung Galaxy devices, two laptops, as well as USB chargers and adapters. Some 36 R-Sims, which are used for unlocking an iPhone which has been locked to one network or carrier, were also seized along with cash amounting to J$200,000 and £30.
The gang is believed to have targeted patrons at the Dream Weekend party series.
One of the victims told The Gleaner she was able to track her stolen iPhone to the home of the thieves and pass on the information to the police.
The woman said that she had locked the iPhone 13 Pro Max as soon as she discovered the instrument had been stolen at the Daydreams White Sands last Saturday.
“Once the phone is locked down, the thieves cannot use it, so I don’t understand why they bother to steal them,” she lamented, bemoaning the inconvenience the thieves had put her through.
“This was supposed to be a great weekend, but it will be my last time attending the event,” added the distraught patron, who was reduced to tears after the device went missing.
Andrew Coombs, whose iPhone was also stolen, described the situation as nightmarish.
“These men left their homes to rob people of having a good time. It is sad because people spent their money to enjoy themselves, especially after the pandemic,” he said.
Sergeant Gladstone Sealy, the tourism liaison officer who was in charge of the operation, said more recovered items are to be processed.
“This is the first time I have seen such a large haul for a couple of days at the events. In previous years, you would have one or two phones and maybe break-in of cars would take place. I must commend the officers for doing such a remarkable job,” Sealy said.
The men held will go before the court on Wednesday to answer to charges laid against them, Sealy disclosed, adding that the hunt for the other two men continues.