By Feona Morrison

TO curb the escalating crime rate in the Stabroek Market area in Georgetown, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, has called on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to intensify efforts and implement strategic measures to ensure the safety and security of the public.

This plea comes amid growing concerns over the persistent criminal activities plaguing Georgetown’s busiest commercial and transportation hubs.

“If I walk through the front gate, I can get an instant high while people are fencing things [marijuana] right at the Stabroek Market gate. If you don’t look like me, you could get robbed, assaulted and even killed in that environ around Stabroek Market,” said Minister Benn, as he addressed the GPF’s 185th Anniversary Symposium held on Tuesday at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

The usually congested Stabroek Market area, renowned for its vibrant trading activities, has unfortunately become synonymous with high crime rates.

These crimes range from robbery, pickpocketing, snatch thefts, the sale of narcotics and assault to more violent offences.

The Minister of Home Affairs admitted that new assets had been bought and infrastructure had been improved, leading to advancements in law enforcement. But he did point out one important issue which he identified as the quality of policing.

Minister Benn added: “We have abandoned foot patrols; we have abandoned the dog walking through the Stabroek Market area. The core issue is at the level of the quality of policing, not the quantity in terms of how many police are out there.”

During his address, Minister Benn also pointed out other challenges faced by the police, including the fight against transnational crime, cybercrime, and money laundering.

In recent times, the police have taken a multifaceted approach to combat crime in the capital city, deploying vehicular patrols and collaborating closely with the City Constabulary.

“We must take a hold of that situation. We must take a hold of crime and violence and the things which allow for crime and violence. It cannot continue,” he emphasised.

When contacted Thursday, Commander of Police Regional Division #4A (Georgetown), Assistant Commissioner Simon Mc Bean said the police have taken decisive steps to ensure the safety and security of not only the Stabroek Market area but the entire capital city.

He, however, admitted, “It [Stabroek Market area] has been an area for concern and continues to be an area for concern because it offers all the elements for crime.”

Regional Division #4A spans from Cummings Lodge on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

One of the key measures implemented was increasing police presence, the commander said. However, he pointed out that like any other organisation, the police force faces limitations in terms of human resources.
According to him, this proactive approach has been yielding positive results.

For instance, he revealed that there has been an overall 33.2 per cent reduction in crimes in Georgetown.

The most prevalent offence around the Stabroek Market, larceny from the person, has seen a 29 per cent reduction. Robbery has decreased by 25 per cent, while robbery under arms has dropped by 32 per cent.

Additionally, robbery with violence has seen a 22.2 per cent decline.

While challenges remain, the commander assured that the police are dedicated to maintaining law and order around Stabroek Market and the rest of the city stating, “We are doing our best to keep there as safe as possible.”