‘D’ DIVISION (West Demerara and East Bank Essequibo) has experienced a nine per cent increase in serious crimes as compared to the same period last year, acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine said.He made the disclosure at a recent press conference, in which he noted that a new strategic plan has been developed to reduce crime in that division.

Recently, Divisional Commander Leslie James met with residents and a number of businessmen to discuss plans to address the situation.

Ramnarine further disclosed that ‘A’ Division recorded a 24 per cent decrease in serious crime; ‘B’ Division a 14 per cent decrease; ‘C’ Division an 11 per cent decrease; ‘E’ Division a 27 per cent decrease; ‘F’ Division a 51 per cent decrease and ‘G’ Division a 29 per cent decrease.

As it relates to serious crime countrywide, there has been a 19 per cent decrease from January 1 to September 23, compared to last year.

Meanwhile, reflecting on a recent statement made by the Indian Action Committee (IAC) in the press pertaining to citizens fleeing the country due to a continuous spate of criminal attacks, Ramnarine said the Force has a different position.

“It cannot be that citizens are fleeing Guyana because of crime, crime is only one aspect of the social construct, yes, significant and most impacting, but not the only factor.”

He added: “There have to be other reasons, those spurious statements are intended for other purposes, rather than be helpful to society, I say no more.”