The Guyana Police Force on Friday announced that 17 murders were recorded in the month of in the first month of this new year and that figure represents a 70% jump in murders when compared to the same period in 2013.
In 2013, the Police Force reported that 10 murders were recorded in January.
This new year also saw an increase in armed robberies and other violent crimes in its first month.
According to the Police Force’s Public Relations Department, “an overall increase of 7% in serious crimes has been recorded at the end of January 2014 in comparison to January 2013. The total number of reports of serious crimes made during January 2014 was 341 compared to 318 in January 2013. Some of the offences monitored are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape and kidnapping.”
In the police report, an increase of armed robberies was also recorded. At the end of January 2014, robbery under arms saw an overall increase by 44%, with 105 reports compared to 73 for the same period in 2013.
The statistics indicate an increase of 50% in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms; and a 30% increase in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been expressing its worry over the growing crime problem in the country. On Thursday at the launching of the SWAT Unit and the training of members of the elite unit, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said that he believes the new unit will be able to assist greatly in the crime fight.
Guyana has been seeing a steady increase in violent crimes including robberies and murders over the past five years. Many of the cases have found their way in the cold case file.
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