Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterTHE POLICE have recovered nine motor cars they believe were stolen by operators of a major, illegal car dealership, involving a number of prominent businessmen.
"What we have recovered is evidence of a major criminal enterprise which is supported by a group of people. The investigation is still at a delicate stage, so we cannot release their names," Assistant Commissioner Denver Frater told The Sunday Gleaner yesterday.
Based on the progress of the investigation, ACP Frater believes his team of investigators is "pretty close to the real thing."
In the meantime, head of the Flying Squad Unit at the CIB Headquarters in downtown Kingston, Deputy Superintendent Cornwall 'Bigga' Ford, said the vehicles, which value over $5 million, were recovered over the past week in the Corporate Area and Montego Bay, St. James.
THREE PERSONS ARRESTED
"They include Hiace buses, Honda Accords, Prados and Toyota Corollas," reported DSP Ford.
At least three persons have since been arrested in connection with the theft of the vehicles. DSP Ford said the police are looking for more than 40 vehicles that have been reported stolen since January.
"We are offering a two-week amnesty to persons who have purchased vehicles from these suspected persons or illegal car dealers, to bring in their vehicles to us at the CIB Headquarters on East Queen Street, downtown Kingston, so we can check them," said DSP Ford.
The officer emphasised that after the amnesty period, "Anybody caught driving these stolen vehicles will be arrested and charged."
The police are also advising persons to be very careful when purchasing motor vehicles. "They should ensure they get the proper documents. If they are in doubt, they should speak with the officers at the Police Traffic Headquarters at Elletson Road, east Kingston," said Ford.
