THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a nine per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of September, 2018, relative to the same period last year.

According to a press statement from the GPF, there was a 17 per cent decrease in murder; a 22 per cent increase in robberies where no instruments were used by the perpetrators; a three per cent decrease in robbery under arms where firearms were used; a 20 per cent decrease in robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used.

Statistics from the GPF also showed that there was a four per cent increase in robbery with violence; a 36 per cent decrease in robbery with aggravation; a 13 per cent decrease in larceny from the person; a two per cent decrease in rape; a nine per cent decrease in burglary and an 11 per cent decrease in break and enter and larceny.

In addition, 97 illegal firearms have been taken off the streets so far this year, compared to the same amount for the corresponding period last year. GPF had said it has recorded a 19 per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of January, 2018 relative to the same period last year.