Cops investigating robbery pranks

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is advising persons who were victims of pranksters to come forward and make a formal report to the Half-Way Tree police in St Andrew.

Yesterday, the JCF said it noted with concern recent incidents in which a group of young men has been recording prank videos in which they fake robberies of individuals at ATMs and outside of banks.

"These videos have gone viral, and we have observed the traumatic effects that these pranks have had on innocent members of the public. We are urging anyone who may have been a victim of these pranksters, whether captured in these viral videos or not, to come forward ...," the JCF said in a release through its Corporate Communications Unit.

The unit reported that detectives from the St Andrew Central Police Division have already begun investigations into these incidents, but added that statements from potential complainants are necessary for a thorough probe. The police encouraged members of the public not to be afraid to speak up.

"These pranks are not only irresponsible and insensitive, but they also have severe physical, psychological, social, civil and criminal implications. Such pranks have the potential to escalate into dangerous situations and cause physical harm to innocent individuals, which is not a laughing matter," the JCF said. The police also urged persons who may be considering engaging in these types of pranks to refrain from doing so.

"While we acknowledge the trend of young content creators in using these prank activities in Jamaica's main urban centres as source material for their social media, we call upon all members of the public to be responsible, law-abiding citizens and to avoid any activities that may cause harm to themselves or others," the release said.

While imploring prank victims to come forward, the police also encouraged the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.