BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — THE Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force says it will be doubling down on crime-fighting measures implemented in 2025, following a notable decline in several major crimes across the Federation.
With the new year already underway, police are acknowledging the progress made but caution that sustained effort will be required in 2026. Preliminary data for 2025 show reductions in homicides, sexual assaults and robberies, although increases were recorded in other areas.
Commissioner of Police James Sutton, speaking at a press conference yesterday (Jan. 7), outlined the Force’s strategy for the year ahead, aimed at building on the gains recorded in 2025.
According to Sutton, five key approaches will guide policing efforts in 2026: strengthened community policing with deeper neighbourhood engagement; technology-driven crime detection and prevention through enhanced data and intelligence systems; targeted enforcement against illegal firearms and repeat violent offenders; a shift toward proactive crime prevention; and increased youth engagement focused on early intervention and diversion.
While outlining these strategies, the Commissioner stressed that law enforcement cannot succeed without broader societal support.
“Preventing crime and violence requires the cooperation and involvement of society in its entirety. Education, family structures, mental health support, youth development and community responsibility all play critical roles,” Sutton said.
“As we close the chapter on 2025 and Sugarmass 54, and turn our full attention to the year ahead, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force will continue to focus on doing its part to build a safer, more disciplined and socially responsible Federation,” he added. “The new year presents an opportunity for renewed purpose, stronger community partnerships and continued progress in crime prevention, road safety, youth engagement and public trust.”
2025 Crime Statistics
Preliminary figures for the 52-week period in 2025, compared with the previous year, shows significant declines in several critical areas, most notably murders.
Sutton told reporters that firearm-related homicides fell sharply from 25 in 2024 to four in 2025, representing an 84 percent decrease. Robberies declined by 29 percent, sexual assaults by 51 percent, and larcenies by seven percent.
Non-fatal shootings, however, remained at the same level as in 2024, while crimes against tourists stayed low, with three reported incidents in 2025.
“These figures reflect sustained enforcement efforts, intelligence-led operations, firearm interdictions and increased cooperation from sections of the public,” Sutton said. “Fewer guns on our streets mean fewer gun victims. That relationship is neither theoretical nor accidental.”
Despite the positive trends, the Commissioner noted areas of concern. Other bodily harm offences increased by 11 percent, rising from 146 incidents in 2024 to 157 in 2025, while malicious damage rose by 20 percent. Firearm and ammunition possession offences increased by 37 percent, pointing to continued attempts to access or retain weapons despite intensified enforcement.
Sutton also referenced incidents during the close of the Sugarmass 54 festivities, which ended with the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Kaden Hanley of Shadwell Estate during Last Lap activities, along with several other injuries stemming from altercations involving bladed or improvised weapons.
“This loss of life stained an otherwise safe period and served as a stark reminder that progress can be reversed by individual choices made in moments of anger or impulse,” Sutton said, extending condolences to the victim’s family.
He warned of an emerging trend of escalating interpersonal aggression, noting that disputes are increasingly being resolved through violence rather than restraint.
Whether the measures now in place will result in a sustained reduction in criminal activity remains to be seen, as many of the strategies outlined have been pursued over several years.
