JDF uniforms feature in robbery

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has launched a high-level probe to determine whether its uniforms were worn by men who were seen in a video carrying out a robbery in Linstead, St Catherine.

Men posing as members of the security forces on Saturday robbed a pharmacy in the bustling town. Investigators attached to the St Catherine North police are searching for the four men.

The video, which has been making its way around social media, shows two men wearing what appear to the be the JDF's digital combat uniform. Another of the robbers, who was armed with an assault rifle, was seen in a bullet proof vest with the word 'POLICE' as well as a regulation number written one it.

One of the men seen wearing the army uniform was armed with a handgun.

"The JDF takes this matter very seriously and we are conducting the necessary checks to verify if the uniforms used in the incident are in fact the property of the JDF," the military said in a statement yesterday.

The JDF said it will provide "all possible assistance to the Jamaica Constabulary Force in the effort to bring the perpetrators to justice".

The JDF changed its uniform in 2015. At the time, then Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Major Antony Anderson, said the new uniform has security features, which will ensure that it does not end up in the hands of criminals.

"In built in this are certain security features as more and more, we are finding that the old uniform we are about to change, can be bought at any surplus store around the world. This new uniform, you cannot get, it is proprietary to the Jamaica Defence Force," Anderson said in 2015.