– robbery with violence sees significant decline

THE Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, announced a significant decrease of 17 percent in total serious crimes for the year 2023 at a year-end press conference held in his Brickdam, Georgetown office.

In a comprehensive overview on Wednesday, he discussed achievements, ongoing concerns, and the government’s commitment to fulfilling the promises outlined in their 2020 Elections Manifesto.

“While we are still on manifesto promises of less crime and safer communities, we are finally in front of them to treat particular incidents and issues which are ripe in the public consciousness which are still bringing great concern as to the question of crime, violence and security,” Benn said.

Minister Benn acknowledged the challenges law enforcement faces, including incidents such as the fatal Mahdia fire in the previous year.

Despite these challenges, he reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing public safety through various measures, such as providing equipment, facilities, and training for law- enforcement personnel.

The efforts were reflected positively in the statistics, with a 15.7per cent reduction in the total number of serious crimes, dropping from 1,641 incidents in 2022 to 1,383 incidents in 2023.
There was a noteworthy reduction of 42.7per cent in reported incidents of robbery with violence from 82 incidents in the previous year to 47 incidents in 2023.

The data from the ministry shows a 25per cent reduction in robbery with aggravation, with 15 reported incidents in 2023 compared to 20 incidents in 2022.

Another significant aspect is the decrease in reported rape incidents, with 196 cases in 2023, reflecting a 23.1per cent decrease from the previous year when there were 255 incidents.

Furthermore, the data reveals a decrease in robbery under arms using firearms, with 247 reported incidents in 2023, compared to 301 incidents in 2022, representing a reduction of 17.9 %.
This decline suggests that measures aimed at curbing armed robberies may be contributing to improved public safety and crime prevention.

One notable aspect of this reduction is the decrease in reported robberies.

The number of reported robberies decreased by 16%, with 21 incidents reported in 2023 compared to 25 incidents in 2022.

The minister had said that the decline indicates a positive trend in addressing robbery-related offences and enhancing security measures to prevent such crimes.

Furthermore, there was a notable decrease of 10.1per cent in the category of “Robbery Under arms using (Other Instrument).”

The number of incidents decreased from 148 in 2022 to 133 in 2023.

As it relates to burglary and break and enter/larceny, there was also a significant decrease.

Burglary decreased by 39.6%, with only 67 incidents reported in 2023, compared to 111 incidents in the previous year.

Similarly, break-and-enter/larceny decreased by 10.3%, with 453 incidents reported in 2023 compared to 505 incidents in 2022.

Larceny from the person saw a significant decrease of 28.6%, with 18 fewer incidents in 2023 compared to 2022.

Despite the overall decrease in serious crimes, the number of murder cases increased by 21.4per cent in 2023.

Benn said that the rise in murder cases is concerning and highlights the need for further investigation into the factors contributing to this increase.

In 2023, 49.1per cent of murders in Guyana resulted from disorderly behaviour, while 28.3per cent were domestic-related.

The minister explained that the increase in murder cases, despite the overall decrease in serious crimes, is a complex issue influenced by various factors.

Social disorganisation and disorderly behaviour account for 49.1per cent of murders, while 28.3per cent are domestic-related.

He explained that work is ongoing to address these factors which is crucial for effectively tackling the rise in murder cases.

In 2022, 115 illegal weapons were seized, increasing to 150 in 2023.

Pistols were the most commonly used weapons in criminal activity, with 309 instances in 2022 and a decrease to 232 in 2023. Regions Six and Seven recorded the highest seizures for shotguns.

Minister Benn highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit in addressing crime trends and promoting public safety.

He said that the government remains steadfast in its multifaceted approach, aimed at building safer communities and reducing criminal activities in the country.