Seventeen-year-old Junior Allen was remanded to prison yesterday when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Roberston on a simple larceny charge and according to the police, break-ins and petty crimes in the East La Penitance area have decreased since his detention.

The teenager, who was unrepresented and apparently had no relatives in court, stood in the dock gazing aimlessly while the court was told that he is a known character in the area. “He is known by the police,” the prosecutor said and later went on to state that petty crimes in the area are down since police arrested Allen following the alleged crime on December 29, 2009.

It is alleged that on the given date Allen stole a generator valued $125,000 from Eballi Hudson. Hudson was not present in court yesterday, but his brother who appeared said Allen was found on their premises on the day in the question and the generator was missing.

Allen denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He told the Magistrate that he resides on Princes Street, but he could provide no lot number. “Ah forget me lot,” he said when responding to queries about his address.

The magistrate later informed him that she was sending him to a place which has a lot number.

Allen was remanded to prison until later this month.