The Guyana Police Force has recorded an 18% decrease in serious crimes at the end of August this year, relative to the same period last year.
According to a statement from the force, there was a 10% reduction in reports of murder; a 7% decrease in gun-related robberies; a 17% decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used; a 9% decrease in robberies where no instruments were used; a 19% decrease in robberies with violence; a combined 40%decrease in break and enter and larceny, and burglary; a 20% decrease in rape; and a 38% decrease in larceny from the person.
In relation to public trust, the GPF noted that the relationship with the public and the police is seemingly improving. This was attributed to the numerous community-related activities being conducted by its ranks, together with the regular Face-the- Community Meetings by Divisional Commanders and other Senior Officers.
It was also noted that training of officers both locally and internationally, continues to be a top priority at all levels of the Force
In terms of Juvenile Offenders, to date the COPs and Faith Community Network have dealt with 321 such cases country wide, including 189 males and 132 females, who have been spared the ignominy of the Criminal Justice System, due to their intervention between the Complainants/Reporter, Victims and Police.
In respect of Traffic Management, unfortunately the Guyana Police Force has yet again seen an increase in road fatalities.
87 road fatalities have been recorded at the end of August this year, which are seven more than the same period last year.
There was a reduction in serious and minor accidents but again an increase in damage accidents. Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and inattentiveness continue to be the main causes of fatal accidents.
Traffic Enforcement is continuous country-wide, with special emphasis on driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, music/breach of condition of road service licence, overloaded minibuses and use of cellular phones. Also, the lecture to schools programme and visible patrols at school areas are ongoing.
A total of 48,585 persons were charged with traffic offences so far this year, the GPF disclosed.
This includes 18,053 for speeding of which 7, 133 have been fined; 1,168 for driving under the influence of alcohol of which 268 have been fined; 1, 108 for unlicensed drivers of which 631 have been fined; 2, 016 for overloaded minibus of which 872 have been fined and 476 for using cell phones whilst driving, of which 268 have been fined.
