Region Five has recorded an 86.4 per cent increase in serious crimes from January 1 to November 11, 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023.
This was disclosed by Regional Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police Kurleigh Simon during the launch of the region’s Christmas policing strategy on Friday.
The region had one murder in 2024 when compared with none last year and one in 2022. Over the past two years, there were no reported cases of armed robberies but in 2024, 14 cases were reported.
“What I would like to see is for it to stick right at 14 and not increase further,” Simon said. Other forms of robbery have seen five compared to two for the corresponding period over the past two years.
With respect to burglary, in 2022, three cases were reported while in 2023, one case was recorded by in 2024, police have investigated five cases.
Regional Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police Kurleigh Simon
Rape has shown a slight increase with nine being reported compared to eight for the corresponding period in 2023, and 16 for that period in 2022.
According to the Commander, Mondays and Wednesdays are the days when most criminal activity takes place.
“We know that Rosignol is one of the high commercial areas, Cotter tree is developing into that same fold and at the Berbice Bridge we need to manage the affairs of persons traversing to and from because crime is not static to any geographical space.”
Addressing the issue of narcotics, Commander Simon pointed out that the region is a transshipment point for narcotics moving from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to other parts of the country.
“Comparatively last year we had 22 incidents of serious crime from this same period as of 41 seeing an 86.4 per cent increase. It is not a nice reading but we were able to curb it.”
As it relates to traffic, there were 14 deaths on the roadway for the year thus far when compared with seven for the corresponding period last year.
However, the Commander noted that during the Christmas period, there are going to be increased activities on the road both commercially and with vehicular traffic and pedestrians. He says people need to take extra precautions.
“Christmas is a time of celebration for most Guyanese and our intention is to minimise the incidents of crime through mitigating policing measures, minimise traffic congestion through effective traffic management and to provide a safe environment for all citizens commuting within the Region. Additionally, we would like to foster close relationships with members of the public through consultation and cooperation,” Simon concluded.
