98 murders recorded so far for the year as robberies decline and cases of rape increase

According to the Police, at the end of July 2015, the Force recorded a 10% increase in serious crimes in comparison to the same period in 2014.

98 murders recorded so far for the year as robberies decline and cases of rape increase

The Guyana Police Force on Friday released crime statistics which continue to show a worrying trend of an increase in criminal activity in the country.

According to the Police, at the end of July 2015, the Force recorded a 10% increase in serious crimes in comparison to the same period in 2014.

“Among the serious crimes policed by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping”, the release said.

 A total of 94 murders were recorded at the end of July 2015 in comparison to 80 murders at the end of July 2014, an increase of 18%. And by the 13th August 2015, 4 more murders were recorded.

 With regard to robberies, the Police Force said that at the end of July 2015, robbery under arms decreased by 2% in comparison to the same period in 2014.

The statistics indicate a decrease of 4% in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms; while the number of armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators has increased by 3%.

But one of the most worrying trends is the increase in cases of rape.

“There has been an increase of 68% in the number of reports of rape with 243 reports at the end of July this year compared to 145 for the same period last year.”

The Police Force said it is continuing its efforts to bring the crime situation under control. The Force has been reaching out into communities in an effort to get young people more involved in community work and away from criminal activities.

The Government of Guyana has earmarked hundreds of millions of dollars to aid the security forces. A recent crime plan that was rolled out by the President and the Ministry of National Security is already being implemented as efforts are also being made to get more foreign help to assist with security matters.

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