Murders down by 16 percent, as GPF records drop in serious crimes
The Guyana Police Force may be finally gaining control over serious crime, if recent released data remains the same until the end of the year.
Statistics released yesterday by the Force’s Public Relations Department show a nine percent decrease in gun-related robberies; a 12 percent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used; a 22 percent decrease in robberies with violence; a two percent increase in robberies with aggravation; a 17 percent decrease in rape; and a 21 percent decrease in break and enter and larceny.
Burglary is down by 15 percent while larceny from the person decreased by 35 percent.
The data released yesterday is significant in that, previous crime data has regularly shown an increase in incidents of rape.
The statistics are for the end of July 2016, in comparison to the same period last year.
“The Guyana Police Force continues to work hand in hand with various stakeholders in both the Public and Private Sectors in a collaborative effort to reduce crime country-wide and improve safety of all Guyanese,” the release stated.
“This was deemed possible by the gaining of momentum in increasing public trust which spins off into the gathering and sharing of intelligence that results in the solving and prevention of serious crimes.
“In some instances these led to the reopening of cold cases.”
In the aspect of training and development of ranks, the Guyana Police Force recently saw the graduation of 225 ranks from its various training Colleges in the three counties of Guyana.
These ranks have been deployed across the seven Policing Divisions in an effort to boost the present strength and further aid in the reduction of crimes, in particular, by increased visibility.
A further 215 recruits were recently accepted into the Felix Austin Police College and currently, 33 ranks are being trained in investigative techniques to boost the Criminal Investigation Department.
In the area of Traffic, the Force recorded 72 road fatalities at the end of July; which is 13 more than for the same period last year.
While there was a reduction in serious accidents, there have been increases in minor and damage accidents.
The Guyana Police Force has charged 41,497 persons with traffic offences so far this year. This includes 15,427 for speeding and 1,035 for driving under the influence of alcohol.
According to the release, the Traffic Department also has an influx of newly trained Certifying Officers who will assist in reducing traffic offences.
In addition, over 44 ranks have been selected for overseas training programmes in several specialist fields.
