… 26 road deaths, over 30 firearms seized

THE Guyana Police Force has recorded a three per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of March 2017, relative to the same period last year.

Statistics released by the force on Wednesday revealed that there was a 43% decrease in murder, with an 87% clear up rate; a 7% increase in robberies where no instruments were used, with a 7% clear up rate; a 9% increase in robbery under arms where firearms were used, with a 28% clear up rate; a 12% increase in robbery under arms where other instruments were used by the perpetrators, with a clear up rate of 27%; a 48% increase in robbery with violence, with a 57% clear up rate; a 30% increase in robbery with aggravation, with a 38% clear up rate ; a 9% increase in larceny from person, with a 29% clear up rate; a 14% increase in rape, with a 33% clear up rate; a 2% increase in burglary, with a 32% clear up rate; and an 18% decrease in break and entering and larceny with a 27% clear up rate.

According to the statistics, 37 unlicensed firearms were seized, compared with 16 for the corresponding period. The firearms included 18 pistols, four revolvers, seven shotguns and eight rifles.
“The reduction of serious crimes though not significant, coupled with the large amount of illegal weapons seized and the number of persons arrested and charged with indictable offences, are positive indicators that the Police Force is gaining the public’s trust and support in the fight against crime,” a police release stated.

26 ROAD FATALITIES
As it relates to traffic management, there was a 21% decrease in fatal accidents. Twenty six fatalities were recorded at the end of March 2017, compared to 29 for the same period last year. According to the statistics, serious, minor and damage accidents have been reduced by 23.3%, 36% and 37%, respectively.
“Enforcement is continuous countrywide with special emphasis on driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, music/breach of condition of road service licence, overloaded mini-buses and use of cellular phones whilst driving,” the release noted.
It was noted that 17, 846 persons have been charged so far for this year with traffic violations.

TRAINING
According to the police force, at present 274 recruits are in training at the various colleges in the three Counties. From January to March of this year, 35 officers and other ranks benefitted from overseas training in all aspects of policing including: Maritime Intelligence, Border Security, Crime Observation, Extortion, Cyber Crime, Immigration, Witness Protection Practitioners, Intelligence Gathering and Analysis and Human Trafficking.

It was noted that the Cops and Faith Community Network continues to be of significant assistance to the Force in their mandate. In terms of Juvenile Offenders, they have so far dealt with 236 males and 139 females who have been spared the indignity of the Criminal Justice System, due to their intervention between the Complainants/Reporters, Victims and Police.