High crime rate? Police say serious crime down by 16%

– 58 people killed on Guyana’s roads

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday stated that it has recorded a 16 per cent decrease in serious crimes

at the end of May this year when compared to the same period last year.

The Police also highlighted that there was a seven per cent reduction in reports of murder, a 10 per cent decrease in gun-related robberies, and a seven per cent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used by the perpetrators.

In addition, a 26 per cent decrease was recorded in robberies with violence, a 14 per cent decrease in robberies with aggravation, a 27 per cent combined decrease in break-and-enter-and-larceny and burglary and a 14 per cent decrease in rape.

There was also a 52 per cent decrease in larceny from the person. Robberies where guns or other instruments were not used showed an increase of 17 per cent.

Police spokesman, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan highlighted that the decrease in the crime rate was no doubt as a result of the initiatives taken by the Government of Guyana, the Public Security Ministry and the Police Force to de-escalate the crime situation.

He added that the Police were increasingly gaining the public’s trust thus resulting in a higher level of information sharing and the solving and prevention of serious crimes, inclusive of murder. Exposure to training, both locally and internationally, continues to be a top priority at all levels of the Force, the Police spokesman noted.

In respect to traffic, the Police Force has recorded an increase in road fatalities. “We have recorded 58 fatalities at the end of May this year, which are 14 more than the same period last year.”

The Police in a statement noted that while there was a reduction in serious accidents, there have been again increases in minor and damage accidents.

In addition, the Police are cognisant of the fact that speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and inattentiveness continue to be the main causes of fatal accidents.

Thus far, the Police have charged 30,788 persons with traffic offences up to May 31, 2016. This includes 11,302 for speeding and 839 for driving under the influence.

The Police Force thanked all of its ranks who have worked to the best of their abilities and in some cases beyond the call of duty during Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.