The Guyana Police Force on Friday said heightened presence at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and in the vicinity of commercial banks and busy shopping areas will form part of its strategy over the next two months as it moves to clamp down on criminality during the Christmas season.

The Police’s Christmas policing strategy will be rolled out from November 15 to January 15 and will return with the regular features of (day and night) foot patrols and booths in the city.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said if all goes as planned, this is expected to be the best year for law-abiding citizens and the worst year for criminals who are bent on committing crimes.

He promised more use of CCTV cameras and road blocks in the city and along the East Bank corridor.

During the Friday morning presentation to members of the business community and media, Mr. Blanhum insisted that the police had a grip on the crime situation and rejected reports that crime was spiraling out of control.

He presented statistics which showed that there was an overall 8% increase in serious crimes at the close of October, when compared to the same period last year.

The stats also showed that there were 126 murders committed at the end of October, representing a 4% increase while rape reports stood at 245, representing a 14% increase.

“These figures don’t show that crime is spiraling out of control,” the Crime Chief said, while reminding that Guyana held General Elections this year, a period which is usually characterized in increases in criminal activity.

The crime chief said the granting of bail to repeat offenders and backlog in the judicial system continue to put the force at a disadvantage.

Meanwhile, ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken spoke specially to the police’s strategy in the city.

He said the police will be playing special attention to traffic flows and crime. According to Hicken, the Georgetown Prison will also be search before and after the Christmas season so as to disrupt any plan that is amidst.

The Police’s presentation was extensive but errant drivers were also put on the alert. Traffic Officer, Superintendent Dion Moore said the police will be strict with drivers who are caught speeding and driving under the influence.

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