Information coming out from the Public relations office within the Guyana Police Force last night stated that there is a 10% decrease in serious crime in the country for this year up to yesterday September 06, 2010, compared to the same period last year, in spite of a number of recent incidents which may have given the perception that there is an upsurge in crime.
The recent incidents referred to include armed robberies in the Aranka/Arangai area in the Cuyuni River, the multiple murders in Cummings Lodge including that of a three-year-old child, and the murder of two businessmen at Bartica.
The crime statistics, copies of which are made available, show increases in murders, robberies, robbery with aggravation and burglary, while at the same time there have been significant decreases in robbery under arms, robbery with violence, break and enter and larceny and rape.
The Guyana Police Force wishes to state that there is no alarming upsurge in crime and is assuring that efforts are continuing to ensure that the law enforcement agencies, including the Joint Services, remain on top of the situation and the fostering of a stable environment within the country.
There has been no change in the Police Force’s posture in terms of how it is organized to respond to crime and special anti-crime patrols continue to operate by day and by night in Georgetown, along the East Bank of Demerara and to a limited extent on the East Coast of Demerara with support from a number of motor cycle patrols and foot patrols.
Specific anti-crime patrols are also operating on the East Coast of Demerara, West Demerara and Berbice with other patrols linked to them, and ranks of the Tactical Services Unit are spread out in the Essequibo area, including Bartica, and from time to time also support anti-crime patrols in the Linden community.
The Police anti-crime patrols are being conducted throughout the policing divisions along with intelligence based operations and the support of the communities through community policing groups, the Neighbourhood Police and information from the public.
The training of ranks at police stations to be equipped to deal with serious situations is also ongoing, though they are not specifically members of anti-crime patrols.
In addition a special firearms unit has also been formed and operates out of CID Headquarters, conducting intelligence work in relation to firearms.
