The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a 36 per cent increase in robberies with violence. In the monthly crime statistics issued on Friday, the Force disclosed that there was a two per cent increase (92 against 90 cases in the same period last year) in robbery under arms where firearms were used; while robberies where no instruments were used saw a 31 per cent increase (17 against 13 cases), and robbery with violence raising by 36 per cent (30 against 22 cases).
According to the Police, when compared to the same period last year, there has 
been a reduction of 18 per cent in serious crimes at the end of February 2018.
Other categories of this serious crime recorded a declining trend, the Police said, pointing out that these include: robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used, which saw a 41 per cent decline (41 against 70 cases); robbery with aggravation recording a 40 per cent decrease (12 against 20 cases); a 33 per cent reduction (16 against 24 cases) in larceny from the person; burglary going down by 21 per cent (31 against 39 cases); and a 19 per cent decrease (154 against 191 cases) in break and enter and larceny.
Meanwhile, as it relates to murder, the Police said there was also a 39 per cent decline recorded, with a total of 11 cases at the end of February 2018, compared to 18 last year.
A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) saw the highest number during this time, with three cases. B Division (Berbice), C Division (East Coast Demerara) and G Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands) accounted for two murder cases each, while D Division (West Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) and F Division (Interior Locations) also recorded one murder case each. There were no murders in E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) during this period.
Additionally, it was reported that of the 11 murder cases: six were disorderly; one was domestic related; two committed during robberies, and two of unknown nature.
The Police also reported a 25 per cent decrease in rape case.
With regards to the seizure of firearms, a total of 24 illegal weapons were taken off the streets by the end of February. This includes 15 pistols, four revolvers, four shotguns, and a sub-machine gun. These figures are compared to 22 unlicensed guns seized during the corresponding period last year.
Fifteen of these weapons were found in A Division, four in B Division; one in C Division and two each in F and G Divisions.
Traffic
Meanwhile, the traffic statistics at the end of February 2018 reveals an 18.1 per cent decrease in both fatal accidents and road deaths, with nine cases this year against 11 in 2017 for both categories. No children were killed on the roadways during this time.
The Police also reported decreases in minor and damage accidents, with a six per cent (16 cases against 17 last year) and 11.1 per cent (16 against 18) decrease respectively. Serious accidents remained the same as the corresponding figure last year with 18 cases.
Once again, pedestrians were named the main category of road users killed, with six persons having lost their lives by the end February. In addition, two pedal cyclists and one driver also lost their lives.
Furthermore, the Police noted that speeding continues to be the major contributing factor to road accidents, causing five of the nine fatal accidents which occurred during the first two months of the year. This is followed by pedestrians crossing in the path of approaching vehicles and inattentiveness, which recorded two cases each.
Meanwhile, traffic enforcement efforts by the Police have resulted in a total of 14,777 cases being made against errant road users at the end of February. Of this, a total of 2935 cases were for speeding; 247 for driving under the influence of alcohol; 1171 for failure to wear seat belt; and 165 for using a cellphone while driving.
