– Berbice Commander

REGION Six Divisional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan said known characters will be monitored and rigorous traffic enforcement will be conducted on a 24-hour basis to reduce crimes and accidents in Berbice during the Christmas season.

The commander gave the commitment at the launch of the Police Christmas campaign in Berbice.
Ramlakhan said the aim is to provide a safe environment for all citizens, visitors, businesses and communities during the festive season.

He further pointed out that the police will be using vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, foot patrols, mounted and marine patrols to ensure that the region is safe with heightened presence at the major markets and the commercial zones during the festive season.
Police records for Region Six indicate that there was a one per cent decrease in serious crimes, while murders decreased by nine per cent and robberies by 50 per cent.

During the period under review, January 1 to November 9, 2021, 10 murders were committed against 11 compared with the corresponding period last year. Breaking and entering and larceny also dropped by 22 per cent.

However, increases were recorded in other serious crimes. Rape cases increased by 34 per cent; robbery with violence increased by 25 per cent; larceny from persons increased by 29 per cent; and robbery under arms involving firearms increased by 16 per cent compared the 2020.

For the year so far, some 15 firearms were recovered by police in the region, compared with 23 for the corresponding period last year.
In the area of traffic, the commander noted that from January 1 to October 24, there was a 46 per cent decrease in road fatalities, that is, seven for this year as against 13 in 2020.

However, as the Christmas season approaches, Ramlakan added that traffic management will also be adopted to mitigate traffic congestion during the holidays.

Intensification of roadblocks and raid operations can also be expected throughout the region, along with stringent enforcement of the COVID-19 regulations.