The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a whopping 23 per cent increase (37 against 30 cases last year in the same period) in robberies where no instruments were used by perpetrators; a one per cent hike (405 against 402 cases) in armed robberies where firearms were used; and robberies with violence saw a five per cent increase (104 against 99 cases), while burglaries went up by four per cent (142 against 136 cases). 
In the monthly crime statistics issued on Wednesday, the GPF disclosed that there was a seven per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of August 2018, when compared to the corresponding period last year. However, this reduction comes even as the country’s premier law enforcement agency reports increases in several categories of robberies.
Other categories of serious crime recorded a declining trend, including armed robbery where instruments other than firearms were used, which saw a 19 per cent decline (163 against 201 cases); robbery with aggravation recording a 30 per cent decrease (38 against 54 cases); an 18 per cent reduction (85 against 104 cases) in larceny from the person, and a nine per cent decrease (648 against 712 cases) in break and enter and larceny cases.
Meanwhile, as it relates to murder, the Police said there was also a 16 per cent decline recorded, with a total of 66 cases at the end of August 2018, compared to 79 in the same period last year.
A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) saw the highest number of murders during this time, with 20 cases, followed by C Division (East Coast Demerara) with 14 cases and then B Division (Berbice) with 12 cases. D (West Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) and F (Interior locations) accounted for nine murder cases each, while E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) and G Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands) also recorded three murder cases each.
Additionally, it was reported that of the 66 murder cases: 28 were disorderly; 19 were domestic-related; 13 committed during robberies, and six of unknown nature.
Meanwhile, the Police also reported a one per cent decrease in rape cases.
With regard to the seizure of firearms, a total of 87 illegal weapons were taken off the streets by the end of August. This included 47 pistols, 21 revolvers, 13 shotguns and one sub-machine gun. These figures are compared to 89 unlicensed guns seized during the corresponding period in 2017.
Thirty-eight of these weapons were found in A Division, 13 in B Division; nine in C Division; six in D Division; four in E Division; 15 in F Division and two in G Division.
Traffic statistics
As it relates to the traffic statistics at the end of August 2018, there was a 7.4 per cent decrease in fatal accidents, with 55 cases resulting in a total of 64 deaths including two children.
The Police also reported decreases in senior, minor and damage accidents, with 24 per cent (168 cases against 220 last year), 35.4 per cent (204 against 316 cases) and 10 per cent (454 against 503) 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 24 such persons having lost their lives at the end of August. In addition, 14 pedal cyclists, 13 car occupants and seven motor cyclists also lost their lives. Two drivers and minibus occupants each were also killed on the roadway as well as one pillion rider and a person being towed on a bicycle.
Furthermore, the Police noted that speeding continues to be the major contributing factor to road accidents, causing 29 of the fatal accidents that occurred during these eight months. This is followed by drunk driving with eight cases, pedestrians crossing in the path of approaching vehicles with seven cases, inattentiveness with 10 cases and one case of failure to confirm to road sign.
In addition, continued traffic enforcement efforts by the Police have resulted in a total of 59,068 cases being made against errant road users as of the end of August. Of this, a total of 13,903 cases were for speeding; 2389 for driving under the influence of alcohol; 4445 for failure to wear seat belt; 566 for using cell phone while driving; 1987 for tinted vehicles; 1062 for unlicensed driving; 487 for dangerous driving; and 440 for careless driving, among others.
There was an additional 21,751 cases made out against errant road users for other traffic related matters.
According to the Police Force, the numerous “Social Crime Prevention” activities embarked upon countrywide, the robust traffic enforcement campaigns as well as the large seizure of firearms are all responsible for the reduction in serious crimes and all categories of road accidents.
Meanwhile, in efforts to further improve both the quality of service provided and the quality of officers, the Force has sent a total of 71 ranks for training overseas in all aspects of policing.
