CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – Nevis’ Strategic Planning Group continues to reap the fruits of its labour with its most recent success being a reduction in reported crime in 2009 as compared with 2008.
This information was disclosed by Inspector Hilroy Brandy on January 14, 2010 while speaking at a community meeting held at the Old Manor Hotel, Nevis, attended by members of the strategic group and residents of the surrounding communities.
Brandy explained that in 2008 there were 358 reported crimes in Nevis with a 46 percent detection rate being achieved, while in 2009 there were 334 reported crimes with a 37 percent detection rate.
The Inspector explained that notwithstanding there was a decrease in reported crime in 2009 over 2008, Nevis' Strategic Planning Group - which comprises of head of out-stations and departments - fell short in achieving its goal of reducing crime by 10 percent. According to the statistics Brandy gave at the meeting, Nevis saw a seven percent reduction in reported crime which was coupled with a nine percent decline in crime detection.
Areas in which reductions were recorded include murder, which stood at five in 2008 and three in 2009; drug related offences, which stood at 78 in 2008 and 55 in 2009; robbery, which saw a 50 percent reduction from 10 in 2008 to five in 2009; and larceny with 51 recorded in 2008 and 41 in 2009.
Increase, however, was realised in the area of house breaking and larceny, an area with which, as Brandy noted, the Police Department has struggled over the years. The 2008 figure for that body of crime stood at 55 with a leap of 33 % to 73 in 2009.
According to Brandy's explanation, the police have experienced a number of challenges in 2009 which include the seemingly uncooperative nature of witnesses and the need for more manpower to properly and adequately police the island of Nevis.
Brandy further explained that since the formation of the Strategic Planning Group, its premier goal is to reduce crime in the Federation. He declared that this year is no different and the Strategic Planning Group has resolved to aspire to reduce crime by 10 percent or below the 300 mark.
Prior to the close of his presentation, the Inspector reminded of the theme the Nevis Division adopted in 2009 - “Safer Communities through Partnership”. He explained that the Nevis policing plan which carries this theme, stretches across a three-year period from then to 2011.
His admonition to those present was to build on these partnerships and continue supporting police as they strive to maintain safe communities. Part of this support, he explained, is the prompt and accurate reporting of all crimes to the police and the willingness of witnesses to provide evidence in a court of law.
He expressed that there is danger in refusing to report crimes and refusal to give evidence in court, as this strengthens the hold of criminals on a community. He noted that crimes committed today would directly affect one’s community, but if left unattended and unresolved, they would move past affecting one’s community to that individual who, for whatever reason, refuses to report these ills and or refuses to provide evidence before a court of law.
The Inspector’s warning therefore, was for persons to not wait until they become victims of crime to then lend a hand in curbing the problem and breaking the cycle. By that time, he noted, the situation may have gotten too far out of hand.
