BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DESPITE the numerous efforts by law enforcement agencies, other government institutions and civil society to reduce the ominous crime rate in St. Kitts-Nevis, a 10 percent increase was recorded last year over the previous year.
According to comparative statistics issued by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, in 2008 there were 2048 recorded criminal acts which represent a 9.57 percent increase from 2007’s 1 852. This also represents a step backward, as there was an almost 10 percent reduction in crime between 2006 and 2007.
In 2006 there were 2 035 recorded incidents of crime which decreased by 183 in 2007.
While there was an overall increase in reported crimes in 2008, there were increases in particular crimes and decreases in others.
The number of reported murders in 2007 was 16 and that figure jumped by 43.75 percent to a record high of 23 in 2008.
In cases of wounding - both committed with and without the use of firearms - there were increases. Wounding cases without the use of firearms jumped from 135 to 143 while the cases of wounding perpetrated with the use of firearms rose 14.8 percent from 27 to 31.
Incidents of rape stood at seven in 2007 and doubled in 2008.
A 47.5 percent increase was recorded between 2007 and 2008 for incidents of housebreaking with intent, while burglary reports increased by 21.62 percent registering 90 cases in 2008.
Rising from 407 in 2007, cases of larceny increased by 12.53 percent to 458 in 2008.
Illicit drugs continue to pose a major problem for St. Kitts-Nevis and incidents of possession of controlled substances rose shapely by a whopping 84.1 percent from 69 in 2007 to 127 in 2008. Incidents of drug possession with intent to supply skyrocketed by 105.26 percent from 19 in 2007 to 39 in 2008.
Increases were recorded in some attacks against the person and some larceny related incidents.
Seventeen cases of “grievous bodily harm” were recorded in 2007 and in 2008 a 64.7 percent decrease was recorded. While the decreases in cases of shooting with intent were not as drastic, a 33.33 percent decrease was recorded in 2008.
A slight decrease was recorded in incidents of house breaking and larceny which stood at 577 in 2008 and 591 in 2007. However, there was a 50 percent reduction in the instances of sacrilege which stood at eight in 2007.
With a view to combating the escalating crime rate, the government and other entities have instituted a number of project inclusive of the National Consultation on Crime held in December last year, ongoing training for police officers, the YES Programme and the enlisting of regional and international assistance.
It is hoped that, over time, a positive change would take effect and lawlessness and criminal behaviour would be reduced.
