Old Harbour CIB launches probe into $7 million theft

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The incident occurred on Tuesday in the parking lot of Stewarts Hardware.

But the senior investigator says the police cannot divulge any information at the moment as the investigation is at a delicate stage.

CCTV footage seen by Old Harbour News showed a man dressed in a hat, short pants and shirt running from a Toyota Probox with a bag in his hand and through the premises’ main exit.

This was after the male owner of the vehicle raised an alarm upon returning to the vehicle.

According to information shared with the police, the businessman had just withdrawn the funds from inside a commercial bank based in Old Harbour before traveling to Stewart’s Hardware compound.

While the police haven’t shared much information, it is believed that the victim was a clear target by the criminals who might have had prior knowledge about the financial transaction, took advantage of an indiscreet moment or lapse in concentration. 

In its last virtual town hall meeting held a month ago, the St Catherine South Police Division reiterated calls urging persons conducting business involving large sums of cash to seek the assistance of the police to avoid such unfortunate incidents like what transpired on Tuesday.

Persons are also encouraged to be more discreet when handling large sums of cash by not sharing information with anyone including close associates or friends.

Detectives are appealing to the public to share any information that could assist them with the investigation and have also confirmed that they are searching for the man seen in a screenshot photo, who they believe took the bag of cash.