In a bid to curb theft incidents at the Delmonte farm in Murang’a County, police officers have intensified efforts to apprehend individuals stealing the company’s pineapples.
Murang’a County police commander reported a significant increase in the number of arrests made in recent weeks, with at least 200 suspects being apprehended.
The most recent breakthrough came when the police recovered more than 3,000 pineapples hidden in a house in Kandara.
“This morning, we have been able to recover more than 3,000 pineapples that were kept by somebody in his house.” confirmed the Muranga Police Commander.
Muranga Police Commander Statement
The police commander while speaking to the media issued a stern warning emphasizing that anyone found in possession or having purchased pineapples from the thieves would face arrest and prosecution, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to such criminal activities.
“Anyone found either in possession or having purchased these pineapples from those thieves will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Theft incidents at the Delmonte farm has been a persistent issue, with the police commander highlighting that young people have been stealing from the farm and getting away with it for far too long.
“There are young people who have been persistently stealing from this farm taking pineapples that belong to Delmonte, in recent years they have been doing so without any consequence to their actions.
“As of now as the department of police we have managed to take action because we cannot allow these criminal activities to go on,” he further added.
Delmonte Farms Enlists G4S
Following this development Del Monte Kenya has recently enlisted the services of G4S Kenya Limited following allegations of violence involving its guards.
The company had been under scrutiny due to allegations of excessive force used by its guards against trespassers caught stealing pineapples.
Also Read: Del Monte Security Guards Accused of Brutal Killings
Therefore, they opted for the security firm following recommendations in a recent Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) advocating for outsourcing security personnel as a best practice.
The move aims to combat criminal activities targeting Del Monte’s fields, particularly the theft of large volumes of pineapples.
A team of approximately 270 security professionals from G4S Kenya, known for their extensive training and emphasis on ethical conduct and human rights awareness, will take charge of security operations at Del Monte Kenya.
Police Collaborate with G4S to Curb the Theft Cases
Working in conjunction with local law enforcement, G4S Kenya will play a pivotal role in preventing theft and resolving conflicts while prioritizing positive community engagement.
Laurence Okelo, the Managing Director of G4S Kenya, highlighted that their experienced officers will closely collaborate with Del Monte Kenya and local law enforcement to address incidents of theft effectively.
The focus will be on fostering positive, inclusive, and constructive community engagement centered around theft prevention, conflict resolution, and enhanced communication strategies.
Also Read: Deaths Reported After 4 Men Allegedly Steal Fruits at Del Monte Farm
Del Monte Kenya’s commitment to tackling security challenges was reiterated by its acting deputy managing director, who emphasized the safety and security of individuals within the company and the surrounding community as a top priority.
Collaborative efforts with G4S, local authorities, and the police are underway to develop strategies aimed at safely and effectively responding to the challenges posed by coordinated criminal operations targeting the farm’s valuable resources.
