– as robberies increase by 15%, serious crimes decrease by 9%
By Shemuel Fanfair
Against the backdrop of a 15 per cent overall increase in robberies with a 54 per cent uptick in robberies with violence, coupled with other criminal activities, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has announced several measures to beef up security during this year’s Christmas season.
Some of the measures include vehicle, foot and bicycle patrols; road blocks; “riverine postures” and parking arrangements to reduce traffic congestion. These security initiatives were announced at a press conference at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, on Monday.
The plans have already taken effect as Guyanese prepare for the annual traditions associated with the Christmas season where shopping late hours is expected. Special focus on implementing the measures will be placed in the capital city, Georgetown, where the majority of the country’s serious crimes is recorded. ‘A’ Division (Georgetown and East Bank Demerara) Commander Marlon Chapman said that Police presence would be beefed up around several strategic areas, which include the seawall, Stabroek Market, banks, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Chapman added that the security presence would be increased at the Georgetown Prison; Dennis Street, Sophia, Robb and Regent Streets, Vlissengen Road, Homestretch Avenue and the East Bank Demerara Highway, with special focus on the Demerara Harbour Bridge. He added that the GPF would collaborate with the business community, entertainers, the City Constabulary and community policing groups, all with the aim of tackling increased criminal activity.
Traffic Chief Dion Moore noted that the security measures commenced Monday morning and would continue up to January 15, 2018. It was related that in ‘A’ Division, there will be security and traffic arrangements to facilitate commuters for late-night shopping on Christmas Eve Day and for the Old Year’s Night celebrations.
Increase in robberies
Police preliminary statistics presented by acting Crime Chief Paul Williams, during the press conference, revealed that in all Divisions (A-G), there was a 15 per cent increase in overall robberies, but a 17 per cent decrease in robbery under arms. These numbers were for the period January-October 2017 over the comparative period for 2016. The year-by-year comparison showed that robbery with violence surged 54 per cent (79 cases in 2016; 122 in 2017) and a similar uptick in robbery with aggravation at 38 per cent (52 cases vs 72 cases).
Notably, the number of murders recorded decreased 21 per cent, and recorded rape cases also decreased by nine per cent (218 vs 198). Although break and enter cases decreased by 15 per cent to 906 cases; larceny from the person surged 14 per cent. There were no authentic reports of kidnapping as both 2016 and 2017 showed zero cases. According to the acting Crime Chief’s overall numbers, serious crime decreased by nine per cent with 2768 cases in 2016 vs 2525 cases in 2017 for the period January-October.
