Despite Division Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) recording a decrease in serious crimes, there has been an increase in murders.
This was according Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus during the launch of the region’s Christmas Policing Plan for the upcoming festive season.
According to the statistics, murders for the year currently stand at 17 compared with 14 for the corresponding period last year. In 2021, 14 murders were also recorded for the same period in 2021.
In addition, robberies stand at 29 compared with 44 for the corresponding period last year and 48 for the same period in 2021. As it relates to robberies, 90 per cent of them are perpetrated with the aid of firearms, and 30 per cent of them with the aid of cutlasses.
Overall, in the region, there is a 2 per cent reduction in serious crime when the figures are compared with those for the corresponding period last year.
“What valuables are being taken during these robberies? We have currency with cellular phones. We understand that there is a market for cellular phones, not only in this region but also in the other regions, and gold jewellery; which can be altered by way of a goldsmith. Fifty per cent of the time the persons are on foot while the other fifty per cent are by bicycles and motorcycles,” Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus said.
He noted that only the Rose Hall double murder is unsolved but affirmed that it is still an active investigation.
Meanwhile, as policing intensifies in the region amid the Christmas season, Bacchus in outlining the region’s Christmas Policing Plans pointed out that all 11 stations and three outposts will be fully engaged. Moreover, he said all known characters will be closely monitored.
“We are also implementing the drone system. While we in law enforcement have the authority to operate drones, those others are not unless they have a permit to do so.”
The Commander further stated that there would be an increase in stop-and-search exercises.
However, the Commander noted that in carrying out these exercises, there are certain risk factors involved, of which the department is cognisant.
The Christmas season will bring with it increased opportunistic crime and other violations, an increase in traffic accidents, increased alcohol consumption and drug use, and the smuggling of contraband into the region. He pointed out that there is also the likelihood of an increase in cattle rustling.
“We know this time cattle rustling increases because of the pepper pot; beef will be in demand. We have boats to be patrolling and also ATV, and the Mounted Branch which will be assisting with our patrols in the backlands,” the Commander said
Meanwhile, as it relates to traffic, 19 persons have died on the roads in the region so far this year. During this time last year, the same figure was reported.
This year, 11 motorcyclists have lost their lives in the region, when compared to 6 for the corresponding period last year. Further, the region has reported a total of 171 accidents compared with 199 for the corresponding period last year. (Andrew Carmichael)
