…decrease in murder, increase in other crimes
The Guyana Police Force on Wednesday revealed that at the end of March 2017, there was a reduction in serious crimes by three per cent with a whopping 43 per cent decline in murders.
However, there were increases in other crimes such as robbery under arms, robbery with violence, larceny from a person, robbery with aggravation, and
burglary.
In addition, there was a 14 per cent increase in rape and an 18 per cent decrease in break and enter and larceny. In each of the categories, the Police were able to apprehend and charge the perpetrators with a solve rate of 28-87 per cent.
Up to March 31, there were 23 murders recorded, with 10 of them committed in A Division (Georgetown-East Bank); six in F Division (Interior locations); four in B Division (Berbice) and three in D Division (West Demerara). This is in comparison with 40 murders for the same period in 2016.
The Police further stated that 37 unlicensed firearms (18 pistols, four revolvers, seven shotguns and eight rifles) were seized when compared with 16 last year. These include.
The statistics released on Tuesday revealed that the reduction of serious crimes although not significant – coupled with the large number of illegal weapons seized and the number of persons arrested and charged with indictable offences – were positive indicators that the Police Force is gaining the public’s trust and support in the fight against crime.
Traffic offences
With respect to traffic, the Police recorded a 21 per cent decrease in fatal accidents. Twenty-six fatalities were recorded up to the end of March, compared to 29 for the same period last year. Of the 26 road fatalities, seven were drivers, six pedestrians, five pedal cyclists, four motorcyclists and four occupants of motorcars. Speeding continues to be the major contributor to road deaths as it was the cause of 14 accidents, followed by driving under the influence of alcohol with four. The Police had instituted charges against 17,846 traffic offenders up to the end of March. Speeding offences topped the list with 4469.
