BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -– The number of reported crimes committed for the year-to-date is less than at the same time last year, according to Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for the Crime Directorate, Andre Mitchell.
Mitchell said crime-fighting efforts have seen positive results in several areas, although some crimes remain a concern and a special focus is being placed on those. In an overview of the trends based on data collected by the RSCNP of crimes committed, he noted that homicides had increased slightly as the country continues to grapple with gang- and drug-related activity, as well as domestic violence. However, despite this, he said that non-fatal shootings had decreased.
“The Federation has recorded 21 homicides so far for the year, 15 of which are gun-related,” he said. The others, for the most part, relate to acts of domestic violence. This trend represents an increase of three more than the corresponding period last year. We have also recorded other serious crimes – non-fatal shootings – which, despite the recent incidents, have shown a decrease over the corresponding period last year,”
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has had several successes in the area of break-ins and larcenies.
The data indicated robberies have declined and sexual crimes have reflected a significant decline. Mitchell emphasised there has been a 60 percent decrease in sexual crimes over the corresponding period last year.
“And then we have the crimes of dishonesty of the break-ins and larcenies [in] which we have seen increases,” Mitchell explained. “Relating to these crimes of dishonesty…a number of breakers and thieves have been arrested in recent times and we are now witnessing a downward trajectory in their occurrence, especially in the Basseterre area,” the Assistant Commissioner of Police explained.
“The RSCNPF has been carefully following the crime trends to help plan operations,” Mitchell explained. “Working along with other law enforcement and security agencies, operations have led to a number of firearms and ammunition being taken into Police custody and several arrests in many cases.
“In their relentless pursuit of justice, the RSCNPF has divided districts into zones, increased foot and mobile patrols, community walk-throughs, visits to schools and businesses. We have been following all leads received from the public in criminal matters.”
