Law enforcement officers are reporting a 20% decrease in the overall crime figures despite the rampant wave of criminal activity permeating throughout the country, and mostly triggered by gun violence and related acts of physical aggression.
In presenting the report on the Half Year Statistical Analysis for 2024, it was noted that while physical attacks against persons rose from 2021 to 2023, there was a slight decrease in 2024.
Yet, 54 homicides have been recorded for the year, involving 51 murders and three police shootings.
The reports also indicate that February was the most aggressive month when 12 murders were committed, up from 8 in 2023.
Conversely, in May, there was a sharp decrease, dropping to 1 murder in 2024 from 4 in 2023. April also saw a significant rise to 9 murders in 2024, compared to 2 in 2023.
Additionally, from 2020 to 2024, the Central Division saw a significant rise in murders, peaking at 17 cases in 2024, which marks a steady increase from 6 cases in 2020. The Northern Division followed a similar upward trend with murders increasing from 7 in 2020 to 14 in 2024.
In contrast, the Southern Division experienced a sharp rise in 2023 with 16 cases, before dropping to 9 in 2024.
Police report that firearms have been the most commonly used weapon in murders from 2020 to 2024, with a steady increase peaking at 33 cases in 2023.
Victim Profile
Young males account for the major victim profiles for 2024, with a high concentration in the 21–30 age range (16 out of the 40 total victims), followed by 11 victims aged 31–40. Younger individuals (ages 11–20) represent 3 victims, while the older age groups (41–50 and over 50) each have 5 victims.
Suspect Profile
Eighteen (18) male suspects have been arrested and charged for murders, and one female suspect, while no suspects have been identified in the remaining 21cases.
Major Crime categories
Under firearms offenses, from 2023 to 2024, the number of cases decreased by 26%, with significant improvement in the detection rates climbing from 56% in 2020 to 77% in 2024, indicating a more effective detection process overtime despite the fluctuating number of cases.
Furthermore, reports indicate that pistols were among the most frequently recovered weapons, followed by shotguns and rifles.
Over the past five years, drug offences have shown a significant increase in cases, rising from 71 in 2020 to 204 in 2022 before dropping to 133 in 2024. Detection rates have improved markedly from 38% in 2020 to 100% in 2022, though they fell back to 59% in 2024.
The rate of increase in cases peaked at 187% from 2020 to 2022, followed by a 35% decrease by 2024. The number of detected cases surged from 27 in 2020 to 203 in 2022, then decreased to 79 in 2024.
Alternately, in the first quarter of 2024, drug seizures showed a significant increase with confiscation of cocaine at 1,088.136 kg compared to previous years. Cannabis seizures dropped to 115.912 kg, and other drugs seized were minimal at 4.713 kg.
For the first half of 2024, a sum of XCD 275, 366.03 was seized. March saw the lowest amount seized at XCD 46,643.94, while April recorded the highest at XCD 101,944.59. May and June had moderate amounts seized, XCD 49,525.88 and XCD 77,251.62 respectively.
Some of the key findings reveal:
– Crime declined from 8455 in 2023 to 6,758 in 2024, representing a 20% decline.
– Summary Offences accounted for 54% of total crimes in 2024, with Crimes Against Persons and Offences Against Property representing 19% and 20%, respectively.
– Detected Sexual Offences declined, with detection rates below 31% in 2024.
– Detection rates improved over time for Firearm Offences, reaching 100% for possession of unlicensed firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition in 2024.