Cops collar phone thief

An illegal gun and 20 cellular phones, which are believed to have been stolen from two establishments in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, were recovered on a Coaster bus following quick action by the police yesterday.

One man was arrested in connection with the seizures. Detectives said that about midday, a group of men robbed two cellular phone stores within the town centre. One of the men boarded a bus, however, the Police Quick Response and Traffic Patrol team (QRT) in the area intercepted the Coaster bus and captured the culprit.

The bus was searched and a .45 pistol and five rounds of ammunition were seized.

A further search of the bus yielded 20 cellular phones, believed to be those stolen.

Senior Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth, head of the St Andrew Central Police Division, has heaped praise on his men for the work.

"A place like Half-Way Tree is a trap for certain crimes, especially robberies of the kind that took place today. We have been making investigations into this trend and we will continue to do further investigations to ensure we provide a safe environment for people to operate in," Nesbeth said.

"I must commend the QRT from our division. The events today is one such shining example of their level of training and their expectations," he said.

- R.M.