Police reported on Monday that major crimes recorded a marked decrease of 26 percent in 2005 when compared to the previous year’s statistics with minor crimes showing a jump of eight percent over the same period.
However, police said statistics reveal that there were 52 homicides recorded in 2005 – 33 of which occurred in the capital – compared to the 44 recorded in 2004 for an increase of 15 percent.
Officials said 21 percent of such matters occurred in October 2005, with 52 percent of the victims between ages 26 and 35.
Six victims had previously been charged with murder. Ninety-four percent were reportedly male.
According to Superintendent Glen Miller of the Central Detective Unit (CDU) while the increasing number of murders in the country remains a primary concern, the murder detection rate peaked to 77 percent, translating into officials solving a total of 40 murders, with only 12 outstanding.
Meantime, in 2005, armed robbery increased by 16 percent while robbery, rape and attempted rape posted decreases of one percent, seven percent and 26 percent respectively.
Two manslaughters were recorded in 2005, the same figure reported in 2004. Rape reports slid by seven percent with 80 reported matters in 2005 compared to 86 matters in 2004.
Police said unlawful sexual intercourse reports were up by three percent with 189 reports in 2005 compared to 183 in 2004.
Property crime was down by 31 percent in 2005, police said, but added that it remains a major challenge. They said the year 2005 saw a total figure of 8,181 reported matters compared to 11,069 in 2004.
Commissioner of Police Paul Farquharson said while 2005 certainly has had its share of challenges, there were notable accomplishments like the winning of the International Community Policing Award for the second consecutive year, the implementation of school-based policing and the new Tourism Policing Unit.
This was put in place to ensure that visitors to The Bahamas are safe from crime and antisocial behavior.
“I am delighted to report that there has been significant turnaround in the entire downtown and Paradise Island areas. The beaches are once again safe. There are encouraging reports from industry partners indicating that police presence can be seen and felt in those areas most frequented by our visitors,” he said.
“-While we cannot have a perfect environment, it is our intention to make it increasingly difficult for crime and criminals to tamper with our number one income generator.”
The commissioner said the police force will move forward with a more focused approach.
“It is my commitment to you the business people to work even closer with you during this year and beyond,” he said.
“Similarly, I wish to encourage you to take every lawful step to ensure that you are not a victim of random crimes. Be on the alert at all times and report any and every suspicious activity that comes to your attention.”
By: Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
