Members of the Police’s Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) have been deployed alongside other lawmen in several areas deemed bandit hotspots in western Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa, which passed over the island on Tuesday, claimed at least 28 lives and tore off roofs or flattened homes.

Many survivors, especially in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover and St. Ann, are depending on relief resources, such as food items, to support their recovery.

The Government, residents from other parishes and international stakeholders have begun mobilizing relief support for those severely impacted by the Category 5 hurricane.

However, there are reports that several of these relief efforts are being thwarted by bandits who seek to intercept those transporting donations.

Regular citizens trying to reach impacted areas to locate loved ones have also reported confrontations with robbers.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, APB Commander Senior Superintendent Oral Pascoe, said while some branch members are supporting farmers, others have been sent to help monitor roadways reportedly impacted by robbers.

One such reported area is Holland Bamboo in St. Elizabeth.

SSP Pascoe noted that efforts are also being made to protect what is left of farming districts.

He described the devastation seen by his team.