By Mel Cooke, Freelance WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
A WEEK of music begins on a sour note in Montego Bay, St. James, today.
Last Friday morning, a pouch containing 90 tickets to main venue nights at 'Reggae Sumfest 2003', as well as five season passes and five three-day armbands, was stolen in downtown Montego Bay, reportedly at the intersection of Union and St. James streets.
The total official sale value of the stolen items is $180,000.
Thirty tickets, numbering 2851 to 2880, to Thursday's 'Dancehall Night' at the Catherine Hall main Sumfest venue were taken and the same number for the following night, featuring Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Sizzla and Wayne Wonder, were stolen. The stolen Friday tickets run from 1951 to 1980.
Thirty tickets to the closing Saturday night, which features Destiny's Child, Sean Paul, Beenie Man and Third World, were taken, those numbering 2701 to 2730.
Thursday night tickets cost $1,000 pre-sold, the admission to Friday night is $1,500 and $2,000 is required for the final night.
In addition, five red, green and gold armbands, which cover entry to Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at a cost of $4,000 each, were stolen. They number 246 250. Five season passes, numbering 301 305, which sell for $5,000 each and allow entry to all five nights of the festival, were in the stolen pouch.
Reports said that a sales representative for Tropic Tours, which is responsible for selling Sumfest tickets in the hotels, was waiting for a taxi to Rosehall outside Montego Bay when the pouch was grabbed from her. She attempted to retrieve the stolen item, but a knife was brandished at her.
The thief ran and she gave chase, but he escaped.
Detective Leroy Taylor from the Barnett Street Police Station, who is investigating the matter, said the police had been on the streets of the city making enquiries into the matter since Saturday morning. When he spoke with The Gleaner yesterday morning, the search was on for someone who it is believed can assist in investigations.
Although not related directly to the incident "Foot and mobile patrols have been stepped up over the weekend," Detective Taylor said. This is in anticipation of increased activity in the city over the 'Reggae Sumfest 2003' period.
He pointed out that anybody who presents a stolen Sumfest ticket or armband for entry to the festival can be charged with receiving stolen property. "They will definitely have to account for it," Detective Taylor said.
And with a very sharp eye being kept out at the gate for the stolen tickets and passes, there is a high probability that persons who present them will be nabbed.
