…serious crime down by 7%
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday disclosed that there has been an upsurge in armed robberies up to the end of April when compared to the same period in 2017.
In fact, statistics released by the Force proved that there has been a 13 per cent increase in the scourge.
In addition, there has been a 26 per cent increase in robberies where no instruments were used. Nevertheless, there has been an overall seven per cent increase in serious crimes at the end of April when compared to the same period last year.
There was also a 32 per cent decrease in robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used and a nine per cent decrease in robbery with violence. Also, a 39 per cent decline in robbery with aggravation was recorded as well as a 32 per cent decrease in larceny from the person.
The Police also recorded a 26 per cent decrease in murders, with 26 murders committed for the year thus far when compared to 35 in 2017.
Of the 26 murders, 11 were disorderly, seven stemmed from domestic disputes, six were as a result of armed robberies and two were classified as unknown.
The highest number of murders was committed in C Division (East Coast Demerara) followed by A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara), with five and four apiece for D (West Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) and F (Interior Locations).
G (Essequibo Coast and Islands) and B (Berbice) Divisions recorded three apiece. One murder was committed in E Division (Linden/Kwakwani).
Meanwhile, a 14 per cent decrease was recorded in the reports of rape, but a 17 per cent increase was recorded for burglary. Finally, the Police stated that they have seen a decline by seven per cent in break and enter and larceny.
All in all, the Police recorded an overall decrease of seven per cent in serious crimes.
With respect to seizures of firearms, the Police have seized 47 illegal weapons for the year thus far compared to the same period last year. Of those seized, 30 were pistols, nine were revolvers, six shotguns, one a submachine gun and one a rifle.
A whopping 24 illegal guns were taken off the streets in A Division. Nine were seized in F Division, six in B Division, four in C Division and two seized in G Division. One was confiscated in D Division and another in E Division.
Traffic
The Police in a release revealed that there was a decrease in fatal accidents by 11.4 per cent up to the end of April, 2018, with 34 people having lost their lives. Decreases were also recorded for serious, minor and damage accidents.
Speeding continues to account for most of the road deaths followed by pedestrians crossing in the path of approaching vehicles. Three people were killed as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol and three as the driver was inattentive. One person was killed as he failed to conform to signs.
A total of 29,064 cases were made out against errant drivers from January to April, 2018.
Meanwhile, the Police Force wishes to publicly acknowledge the unwavering support it has been receiving from all sections of society in the fight against crime which, without a doubt, is responsible for the reduction of serious crimes and all categories of road accidents.
