GPF records 34.8% decline in crime in Reg 2

Police Commander for Regional Division 2, Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran has indicated that there has been a 34.8% reduction in crime on the Essequibo Coast.
Commander Shivbaran made the disclosure during an interview on Thursday during a radio programme in Essequibo.
The Regional Detective Officer and Traffic Officer disclosed the region’s crime and traffic statistics and their proactive measures to address and reduce both areas.
According to the RDO, the Division has a 100% clear-up rate when it comes to crime, with 24 reports in 2022 and 17 when compared to January 1 to October 9, 2022.
He noted that there were 10 reports of break and enter and larceny and one murder for 2023 as against two in 2022.
He further alluded that his department is making all efforts to ensure that people who committed such offences are brought into custody and complete the investigation in a timely manner to deliver justice to the victims.
The Traffic Officer said six fatal accidents have been recorded for the year thus far when compared to two in the previous year.
However, there has been a 58.9% increase in all categories of accidents for 2023.
In 2022 (Jan 1 to Oct 9), 435 traffic offences were committed, compared to 653 in 2023, and summons accounted for 162 against 178 in 2023; tickets: 166 in 2022 against 185 in 2023, thus far.
The Regional Traffic Officer also alluded to the proactive approach being taken through enforcement and sensitisation initiatives such as through “lectures” to schools and drivers, distribution of flyers and educational awareness programmes, enforcement activities, and cooperation from members of the public.
Commander Shivbaran, however, stated that it was the residents themselves who achieved the reduction of serious crimes in the region by working in collaboration with the regional Police to solve them, as well as report same.
Shivbaran also noted a reduction in domestic violence compared to figures for the corresponding period last year. In 2022 (Jan 1 to Oct 9), there were 131 reports, with 90 cases as against 86 reports with 54 cases in 2023, with 15 and 14 convictions, respectively.
He noted that this was achieved through training of ranks with the relevant knowledge, skill sets, and best practices. Statistics also indicate a reduction in noise nuisance, with 36 reports and 19 cases for 2023.
Shivbaran, meanwhile, stressed that improvement in Police-community relations and increased sensitisation and awareness initiatives were the key components to the fight against crime and the reduction in fatal accidents in the region.