THE Guyana Police Force said yesterday in a press release that there has been a 6% increase in serious crimes in Guyana. The release stated that this has been recorded up to Monday, May 18, 2015, in comparison with the same period in 2014.
The serious crimes include murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape and kidnapping.
The release also indicated that 60 murders have been recorded for this year, in comparison with 56 for the similar period last year, an increase of 7%.
Additionally, robbery under arms overall has decreased by 15%, with an 18% decrease in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms, and an 11% decrease in armed robbery, where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.
The offence of rape has shown an increase of 70%, while burglary decreased by 11%.
In relation to traffic, up to May 20, 2015, there were 41 road fatalities from 32 accidents, compared with 43 road fatalities from 40 accidents during the similar period in 2014.
Cognisant of the prevailing rains, the Guyana Police Force is urging motorists and other road users to exercise greater care and attention as they use the roadways. (GINA)