More patrol vehicles, faster response results in 30 % crime reduction in Georgetown 

An increased Police visibility and shortened response time in Regional Police Division 4 ‘A’ (Georgetown) has led to a 30 per cent reduction in serious crimes for this year. This is according to Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean.

Regional Police Division 4 ‘A’, which spans from Industry on the East Coast to Agricola on the East Bank accounts for 40 per cent of the country’s crime.

Speaking at the Division’s Annual Awards and Luncheon on Friday, Commander McBean noted that the Division accounts for the majority of the country’s crime given that it is one of the most populated areas in Guyana.

“We are more visible. We were able to put out over 8,900 patrols this year.

“This, coupled with the significant increase in our intelligence-led road blocks and operations, we were able to decrease the crimes in the Division,” Commander McBean said.

The Division is also reporting 47.7 percent clear-up or crime-solving rate. This is the second highest clear-up rate in 10 years.

Thus far, 21 murders have been recorded when compared to 36 in 2021.

There is also a 66 per cent decrease in street crimes, which is one of the areas that has been plaguing the Division for years.

Approximately 17,000 reports were investigated which resulted in 3,550 persons being charged criminally.

Meanwhile, over 4, 200 persons were placed before the court for traffic violations.

“Most notable is our ability to make a change in our murder rate.

“Last year this time we recorded 36 murders with a 30 percent increase in our murders within the Division, this year we recorded 21 murders which takes us close to a 50 percent decrease in our murders.

“This Division also removed over 26 illegal firearms from the streets and seized over 80kg of cannabis and 3.4 kg of cocaine,” Commander McBean revealed.

Commander McBean said this could not have been achieved without the dedication and hard work of the ranks in the Division and noted that the award ceremony was the ideal opportunity to demonstrate to recognise the ranks for their hard work.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you all the Division for without you we could not have achieved this,” Commander McBean said.

He also revealed that the Division’s vehicle fleet increased from only four patrol vehicles to 15 and from six motorcycles to 33.