Police say crime has decreased for first two months of year; full statistics not publicized

The Police are claiming a significant decrease in overall criminal activity in the federation for the first two months of the year, thanks to the overt presence of officers on the ground and the Police’s modernisation in the use of covert technology.

A statement released by the Police preliminary statistics indicate that January and February have 48% less crimes recorded than during the same months in 2018. Notably, burglaries are down by 68%, there has been a 44% reduction in the number of larcenies reported, and malicious damage cases have decreased by 41%. Overall, according to the preliminary data, there have been 178 less victims of crime for the opening months of the year, compared to the same period in 2018.

The complete preliminary statistical table has not been publicized.

Ironically, February 2019, was one of the bloodiest- if not the bloodiest month- on record for St. Kitts and Nevis. Seven young men were gunned down in less than a three week period on St. Kitts, in February, mushrooming the murder count from 1 to 8. This prompted the government to announce a crackdown “on elements who are bent on disrupting the peace” of the twin island state.

The volatile situation prompted the government to solicit the services of more personnel from the Regional Security System (RSS) to assist in arresting an escalating crime and violence situation.

Acting Commissioner Brandy says the Police will continue to listen to the public, in addition to using intelligence to further disrupt criminal movements as much as possible. Cooperation between security forces and community policing are also key elements of the current crime fighting strategy, he noted.

While referencing to a reduction in crime, the Acting Commissioner attributed the decrease to a robust policing plan.

There is still some uncertainty in relation to components of this robust policing plan or when exact time frame of its implementation.

However, the Police are expected to host a press conference shortly.