BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (JANUARY 25, 2007) - The Head of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Commissioner Robert Jeffers, commenting on the 2006 crime statistics, has indicated that the crime fighting measures implemented during the past calendar year, have resulted in a decrease in various categories of crime compared with 2005.
~~adz:Left~~ According to Commissioner Jeffers, wounding which included shootings decreased by 8 in 2006 as compared to 2005. Grievous bodily harm decreased by 4 in 2006 as compared to 2005. Shooting at with intent decreased by 4 as compared to 2005. Rape decreased by 1 as compared to 2005. Unlawful carnal knowledge decreased by 7 as compared to 2005. There was also a decrease in the number of reported incidents of indecent assaults on females; 24 were reported in 2005 against 19 in 2006.
Assaults with intent to rob in 2006 were 72 as compared to 90 in 2005 or a decrease of 18. 123 persons were prosecuted for possession of controlled drugs in 2006 as compared to 91 in 2005. The Security Chiefs have noted the increase in the number of drug offences that were detected in 2006. This they attributed to the frequent joint operations of the officers in the Police Force and the Defence Forces.
Despite an increase in housebreakings and homicides during the period under review the Top Cop wishes to assure the general public that the security forces are confident that the safety and security mechanism is fully intact and that citizens and residents alike can be assured of their commitment to deliver on their mandate as officers of the law enforcement agency.
During the recently concluded consultation on the economy, the Ministry of National Security reported on the number of Government approved initiatives that were directed towards crime reduction.
The Advanced Finger Printing Identification System (AFIS), which is to be fully operational in 2007, will enhance the crime scene processing and thus improve the crime detection capacity of the Criminal Investigation Department.~~adz:Right~~
Other crime fighting initiatives include, inter alia, the installation of Closed Circuit Television Cameras and the increased visibility of Police Officers in residential areas. The Ministry of National Security has advised that a comprehensive review of several pieces of legislation will be undertaken to increase the penalties for offenders.
Commissioner Jeffers calls upon the general public to be law abiding, vigilant and attentive to crime fighting tips on the local media.
