BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOR the first couple of months in the year [January-February], a downward trend in the crime rate has been realised and law enforcement officials are hoping that it would continue.
This pronouncement was made by Commissioner Austin Williams during the most recent press conference held by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
He explained that for 2008 there was an approximate 10 percent increase in crime in comparison with the previous year. He however noted that for the first couple of months in 2009 a decrease in reported crime was recorded in comparison with the same period last year.
“There has been a 23 percent reduction in crime generally in the Federation for the period January to February 2009, compared to the same period last year. Four hundred and fifteen crimes were reported in 2008, while 318 were reported in 2009...a difference of 97.”
The Commissioner informed that there were reductions in all categories of crime with the exception of “murder which recorded an increase of three (one in 2008, four in 2009), possession of firearm and ammunition which recorded an increase of 100 percent (two in 2008, four in 2009) and possession, cultivation and supply of drugs which recorded a 27.5 percent increase (40 in 2008, 51 in 2009).”
He attributed the increases in firearm and drug-related crime to an improved “police strategy to combat this category of crime. Our efforts have resulted in increased seizures and prosecution. We expect this trend to continue, based on our new strategy of intelligence, led policing through the formation of the anti-gang unit, with its intelligence arm. We will continue to collaborate with the Defence Force and other law enforcement agencies to combat and reduce crime.”
The Police Force continues to grapple with incidents of “Offences against property”, which, over the years, have been the single largest category of reported crime. Commissioner Williams said a decrease in this category has also been realised. He said 227 incidents were reported, registering a near 27 percent reduction to the number recorded for the same period last year.
Although the statistics only represent reported crimes committed in the first two months of the year, the Commissioner noted that, relative to the March statistics which have yet to be completed, “we do not expect any drastic change to the position reported above”.
