12 murders, 100% increase in road deaths recorded in Berbice

…serious crime down by 39%

Serous crime in the East Berbice-Corentyne Region has shown a 39 per cent decrease when compared with the corresponding period in 2021.
This is according to Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus.

Bacchus, who took over as Commander on Thursday, met with the media on Friday where he provided an update on crime in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The various types of robberies show a significant decrease when compared with the corresponding period last year.
However, robberies with violence show a whopping 67 per cent increase with rape equalling the 24 recorded for the same period last year.
Murders stand at 12 so far this year compared with eight for the same period last year. Notwithstanding that, four persons who the Police were seeking to place before the court for murders committed prior to this year, were found and charged in 2022.
In all, there was a total of 115 instances of serious offences committed in the region so far this year compared with 188 for the same period last year, representing a 39 per cent reduction in serious crime.
Road deaths have, however, doubled in the region this year so far, with 10 deaths compared with 5 for the same period last year.
“It, therefore, means that we have a lot to do in both areas but more focusing on the traffic while emphasis will also be placed on crime to have it further reduced.” Commander Bacchus said.
Those strategies to be employed, he said, would be no different from what is being applied in all other regions, which include improving traffic patrols, and enforcement by day and night. There will also be stop and search exercises being carried out throughout the region.
“These stop and search exercises, we expect the citizens to cooperate with the Police.”
The Commander admitted that there are challenges with stop and search exercises but assured that they are all being addressed.
“To ensure that our policemen and women are fully equipped with the relevant tools to conduct those exercises, the ad hoc arrangement would no longer be tolerated in the region where you find that stop and search exercises are done without a gazetted rank. We will be following best practices and want to ensure that citizens feel safe while travelling on the road.”
He explained that while there is a 24-hour patrol system in place, this will be strengthened. (G4)