Region Six records 61% drop in serious crimes

… as Regional Division launches Christmas Policing plan

Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne) has recorded a significant 61 per cent reduction in serious crimes for the period January 1 to October 28, 2025, when compared to the corresponding period last year. The Division logged 72 serious crimes this year, down from 186 cases in 2024, a decline driven by notable decreases in murder, armed robberies, break-and-enter offences, and robbery with violence.

According to the statistics, murder is down by 18.1 per cent, robbery under arms using firearms decreased by 29.1 per cent, robbery under arms with other instruments declined by 86 per cent, and robbery with violence dropped by 83.3 per cent. Break and enter and larceny also fell sharply by 80.3 per cent, while rape decreased by 56 per cent over the review period.
Nevertheless, domestic violence continues to be a concern, with 131 reports, 91 cases, and 17 convictions recorded up to October 28, 2025. These figures were presented by Region Six Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus on Saturday, as he officially launched the Division’s 2025 Christmas Policing plan, which runs from November 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

Christmas Policing
Commander Bacchus said the policing posture for the next two months will see increased deployment of police ranks, both uniformed and plain-clothes, across communities, commercial zones and transportation hubs throughout the Division. He emphasised that the Christmas season traditionally brings heightened commercial, social and recreational activities, which require intensified security operations. Commander Bacchus said these efforts aim to prevent robberies, break-ins, and opportunistic crimes and to provide a safe environment for shoppers, businesses, and the wider community during the peak season. However, he noted that there will be some risks and challenges ahead.
While the Division has recorded commendable reductions in serious crimes this year, the Commander warned that the festive season also carries several heightened risks. He noted an expected increase in opportunistic crimes, such as snatching and simple larceny, traffic accidents and incidents, given the surge in road users; alcohol consumption and drug use contributing to reckless behaviour; picketing activities linked to ongoing industrial and political issues; and border-related vulnerabilities, including the movement of contraband across porous points. The Commander cautioned that the combination of increased economic activity, nightlife, and population movement during the season often creates conditions favourable for criminal exploitation, hence the strengthened policing posture.

Illegal weapons and narcotics
Meanwhile, for 2025, up to September 29, the Division recovered 14 illegal firearms, compared to 20 firearms discovered in 2024. These include pistols, revolvers and shotguns, with seven persons charged so far for gun-related offences this year.
The Division also seized significant quantities of narcotics. Up to October 28, 2025, more than 4917 kilograms of cannabis were confiscated, along with measurable quantities of cocaine. A total of 25 persons were charged for drug offences during the period.

Fatal accidents down 18%
The region also recorded an overall 29 per cent decrease in total traffic accidents for the period January 1 to October 24, 2025. Fatal accidents fell from 14 in 2024 to 12 in 2025, an 18 per cent reduction, while minor and damage accidents also saw sharp declines of 53 per cent and 55 per cent, respectively. However, overall, serious accidents increased by 15 per cent, rising from 20 last year to 23 this year.
A location analysis showed that fatal accidents occurred at several points across the division, including Eversham, Crabwood Creek, Princess Elizabeth Road, Line Path, Chesney, Garrison Road, Fort Canje, and Canefield, among others.
The main cause of fatal accidents this year, Bacchus pointed out, was speeding, which accounted for 73 per cent of road deaths so far this year. Commander Bacchus noted that while enforcement has intensified, with 39 per cent more arrests and more than 13,600 traffic cases processed for the year, irresponsible driving continues to contribute significantly to preventable road deaths.
The Commander urged road users to “slow down and use the road carefully”, highlighting speeding as the Division’s most lethal traffic offence. Drivers were also encouraged to consume alcohol responsibly, use designated drivers, obey speed radar signs, and refrain from leaving vehicles in dangerous positions along public roadways. Bacchus underscored that the success of the policing plan depends heavily on partnership with the public, the business community, and critical stakeholders. He reassured residents that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) remains committed to maintaining safety, reducing criminal activity, and restoring confidence across Region Six. “As activities increase during the season, so too will the presence of our police and security personnel. Our goal is to ensure that citizens can shop, travel, work, and celebrate safely,” he said.