THE driver of a brand new Pitbull minibus and two men were yesterday caught red-handed stealing a ram as it was grazing opposite the owner’s home at First Street, Hope West Enmore, East Coast Demerara.But vigilance on the part of the owners led to the men being intercepted soon after grabbing the sheep and shoving it into the bus, hence the matter was reported to the Enmore Police and the driver and one man was taken into custody, while the third escaped.
The incident occurred around 17:00 hrs. and after being initially taken to the Enmore Police Station, the men were transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department at Cove and John. Late last night, the two men remained in custody, while the third man remained at large. Meanwhile, the ram was off-loaded at the Cove and John Police Station for safe keeping, pending further police action.
The owner of the animal, whose name was given as Mahendra, being aware that the theft of sheep is prevalent in the neighbourhood, had his nine-year-old nephew keeping watch while the ram grazed.
Suddenly, the family recalled, a shiny Pitbull minibus drove up slowly, and as it approached the animal, one of the persons on board opened the door , jumped out and grabbed the animal and shoved it into the vehicle and drove off. But the child shouted out to his grandfather who was a short distance away, telling him that the men had taken the sheep into their bus. The owner and a Rural Constable who was nearby gave chase, and eventually the owner had an idea. He rode up in front of the bus and threw his cycle down to the ground, causing the bus to come to an abrupt stop.
Having verified that the sheep was in the bus, the police were called in, and they took the matter in hand.
Meanwhile, residents complained bitterly about losing their sheep from time to time. At least twelve sheep have been stolen in recent months. On one occasion a man was taken into custody, but was later released. Another man was made to pay a fine, but others still have not been caught.
Residents claim to have complained ad nauseam, but the practice continues. Prior to yesterday’s incident, just two days ago a ram and a ewe were stolen from another householder.
Asked what are the thieves possibly doing with the animals, the frustrated residents replied: Dem ah do all kind thing. Them a sell am to butcher; dem ah kill and and eat am; dem ah even kill am and sell am ah Mon Repos cheap. If the sheep or ram cost $20,000, they give dem fuh half that.”
On one occasion, six sheep were stolen from one man, and till today, he has not found out who did it.
Residents are calling on the police to deal severely with the men caught, hoping that it will serve as a deterrent to others inclined to steal sheep as well.