THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) disclosed that their statistics up to March 23, 2015, reveal that a 1% increase in serious crimes has been recorded for this year, in comparison to the same period in 2014.There were 38 murders for this year unto March 23, 2015, in comparison to 33 for the similar period last year; an increase of 15%.
Police said robbery under arms where firearms were used has decreased by 28%; and robbery under arms where other instruments were used by the perpetrators has decreased by 6%.

Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing into the murder of Courtney Crum-Ewing which occurred on March 10, 2015, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Eight persons have been arrested and questioned and subsequently released. The police are actively questioning persons from the community and scrutinizing video footage as the investigation continues.

In relation to the murder of 14-year-old Alicia Ali, whose body was found on the seawall at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, on March 25, 2015, the parents and close relatives are assisting with the investigations, while a male friend from the community is being questioned as the investigations progress.

The body of the dismembered female that was found on the Annandale Foreshore, East Coast Demerara, on March 26, 2015, has not yet been identified. No arrest has been made in this matter so far.

The police are questioning persons from the surrounding communities and checking recent missing person reports in efforts to identify the deceased.

ADVISORY

Members of the public are advised to record and store the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their cell phones for future reference. The production of this number in instances where instruments have been stolen can greatly assist investigators in apprehending suspects or questioning persons.

By Michel Outridge