Region Six Police have recorded a three per cent reduction in serious crimes in 2019 when compared to 2018.
Based on reports received, a total of 221 serious crimes were committed in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) in 2019 when compared to 227 in the previous year.
The figures were given by Regional Commander Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus who stated that it represents a three per cent reduction.
Last year, they were 13 murders recorded in the region, which is the same number recorded in 2018.
There were seven reported cases of robbery under arms which is the same amount recorded for the previous year. In addition, 23 robberies were committed using instruments other than firearms as against five the previous year.
With respect to robbery with violence, six cases were reported, compared to 10 in 2018. More so, four cases of robbery with aggravation were recorded for 2019.
Larceny from the person stayed at three over the two-years. In 2019, there were 30 cases of rape recorded as against 46 the previous year.
“Many of these rapes cases are not the forceful type, it is what we previously referred to as statutory rape where it is an underage female and the male being the adult,” Brutus explained.
Burglary, 11 cases were reported last year which is one more than the previous year; while there were no cases of kidnappings.
Meanwhile, the Commander said there were many challenges facing the department over the past year.
The Division had previously been spread over two Regions: Region Six and Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
However, as of September last, each region was equipped with a senior rank to oversee the operations.
On this note, Brutus said it has made it much easier to manage since he is only now responsible for the Eastern part of Berbice. “It is a smaller area that we have to focus on,” he said.
