Crime in decline despite surge in slayings, police report

Overall crime in Barbados has fallen by eight per cent this year, according to police figures, but the number of murders has nearly doubled compared with the same period year on year.

The figures suggest a mixed picture for crime, with the sharp rise in murders contrasting with reductions in other areas. But the data will almost certainly raise questions about law enforcers’ strategies to stem violent crime that is already just short of the 21 homicides recorded in all of last year.

Commissioner Richard Boyce revealed the statistics at a press conference at police headquarters in Roebuck Street on Friday. He reported that major crime had declined by nine per cent and minor crime by eight per cent.

“In 2023, we recorded nine cases of murder, as opposed to 16 in 2024,” Boyce said. “Robberies, we recorded 69 cases in 2023 and 58 in 2024. Rape, 21 cases in 2023, and 22 cases in 2024.”

The commissioner told reporters that aggravated burglary had declined by four cases this year, while theft from the person was down by three. However, commercial burglary increased by seven cases, although burglary in dwelling houses fell by 33.

“This is an overall total of 444 cases of major crimes in 2023, when compared to 406 cases 2024, a nine per cent reduction in major crimes when compared to last year,” Boyce reported.

Regarding minor crimes, Barbados recorded 2 265 cases last year as opposed to 2 085 for the same period this year, representing an eight per cent drop in this category, the commissioner announced. (EJ)