COMMANDER of Region Six, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, has reported a decrease in serious crimes but an increase in some categories of traffic offences in the East Berbice-Corentyne division which spans Mara, East Bank Berbice to Orealla, Corentyne River.
For the period January 1 to July 22, 2021, six murders, two robberies with violence, 81 breaking and entering and larceny and six burglaries were recorded. There were no reports of robbery with aggravation. The figures recorded reflect an overall decrease in percentage, ranging from 16 to 10,0 when compared with the same period last year.
Sixty-two persons were charged for the various offences listed, but just nine were convicted.
With respect to traffic offences, fatal accidents decreased by 67 per cent; however, there were significant increases for the other categories.
The decrease in serious crimes was announced on the sidelines of the division’s monthly statutory meeting, held at the Central Recreational Hall, Central Police Station in New Amsterdam, where the divisional administrators and other partners were introduced to the media.

Ramlakhan emphasised that the decline in crime was due to several face-the-community meetings; zero tolerance for domestic violence; the involvement of Cops and Faith; private security firms assisting with patrols; the formation of team policing and resuscitation of the Station Management Committee and the Community Policing Group (CPG).
Additionally, there had been several in-house training exercises to rectify inefficiency, which resulted in an improved performance.
“I am happy with the level of performance, and as such, ranks and CPG members are recognised weekly for their outstanding performance. These recognitions act as a motivation,” Commander Ramlakhan said.
Meanwhile, he applauded the historic initiative which allows residents of Orealla/ Siparuta to have access to a driver’s licence. Eleven persons are currently in possession of drivers’ packages, of which two were sponsored by Deputy Commander Hemnauth Sawh.