Thieves prey on MoBay resort

Published: Saturday | January 10, 2009


Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Daring break-ins at the upscale 14-storey Montego Bay Club Resort have left tenants puzzled following the latest incident on the weekend in which several electronic devices were stolen from one apartment.

The crimes, according to one concerned resident, have been ongoing for the past six weeks and involve the perpetrator using 'Spiderman' tactics to enter the high-rise apartments.

Not deterred

The presence of security personnel on the property, located along the tourist strip of Gloucester Avenue (popularly known as the Hip Strip) in Montego Bay, has not deterred the culprit.

One affected tenant, who did not wish to be named, told The Gleaner that the thief targets cash and small electronic items like laptops and high-end cellular phones.

"This intruder, if not caught, is gonna hurt someone," said Carl Reichelt, another tenant.

The issue is to be discussed at the resort's annual general meeting scheduled for January 17.

Suspect identified

In the meantime, the police say a suspect has been identified.

"He is someone who frequents the property and is 'a regular' on the Hip Strip," said Detective Sergeant Byron Miller of the St James police.

No comment was obtained from Edgar Smith, the chairman of the board of directors, who manages the property, as calls to his telephone numbers went unanswered.

Director Pat Hall declined to speak on the issue.