Serious crime down by 19% – Police

…fatal accidents up by 20%

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is reporting that it has recorded a 19 per cent decrease in serious crime at the end of January 2018 when compared to the same period last year.
On Tuesday, the GPF revealed that there was a tie with respect to murders and robberies under arms committed with the use of a firearm for the corresponding periods in 2017 and 2018. Additionally, the Police said there was a 13 per cent decrease in robberies with no weapon, a 50 per cent decrease in robbery with aggravation and robberies with weapons other than a firearm.
For the period of January comparatively, a 50 per cent decrease in larceny from person was recorded while rape, burglary, break and enter and larceny decreased by 24, 52 and nine per cent respectively.
However, there was a 45 per cent increase in the number of robberies coupled with violence.
According to the Police’s statistics, they have seized some 19 firearms inclusive of one sub-machine gun and 12 pistols.

Increased fatal accidents
The statistics revealed that although there was a 20 per cent increase in fatal accidents, the number of deaths decreased by 14 per cent when compared to the same period last year. For January thus far, some five fatal accidents have been reported, with six lives lost.
Meanwhile, it was reported that serious, minor and damage accidents have been decreased by 17, 15.3, and 13 per cent respectively.
“Speeding, speeding/driving under the influence of alcohol and pedestrian crossing in the path of approaching vehicles were the main causes of the fatal accidents,” the Police said in a statement.
“Our enforcement is continuous countrywide with special emphasis on driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, music/breach of condition of road service licence, overloaded minibuses, use of cellular phones, using vehicle other than licensed for (private hire) and failing to wear safety helmet. The Traffic Department continues its lecture to schools programme, also visible patrols at school areas to ensure the safety of schoolchildren,” the statement added.
Some 8201 persons were charged in the month of January for various offences, including more than 1600 for speeding.

However, even as the GPF is quoting a decrease in crime both the United States of America and the British Government have issued warnings to its citizens living and visiting Guyana.

The US advisory, states that in Guyana, violent crimes such as armed robbery and murder is common, and the “local Police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”

As such, Americans who plan to travel to the land of many waters have been warned to be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, be aware of their surroundings, and to avoid walking or driving at night.

The US Advisory also encourages its citizens to refrain from physically resisting any robbery attempt, in addition to not showing any “signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.”

In addition to Guyana being categorised as in the same category as Brazil and Colombia.

Likewise, the British Government has warned its citizens about the crime situation in Guyana, as well as the “tough” conditions of the prison system, drug trafficking, the “poor road sense” of (other) road users and dangerously driven minibuses.

The advisory was issued by the Government Digital Service; part of the UK’s Cabinet Office. Citing the high crime levels and low Police capacity, the advisory warns citizens to take sensible precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

“Muggings have taken place in broad daylight. Burglary and theft from cars are commonplace. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Try to avoid showing obvious signs of wealth,” the authorities warned in the advisory.

Among the precautions the advisory proposes is for persons to “always drive with doors and windows locked”.