Crime is Down, Says Acting DCP

Police reports clearly show a significant decrease in major crime offenses such as burglary and other criminal infringements.

However, there has been an increase in minor offenses like stealing from persons. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Mashama Sealy confirmed a notable decline in the homicide rate compared to the same time last year.

During a media briefing on Thursday, Dr. Sealy provided a comprehensive update on the crime summary. From January to June 2025, 7,400 crimes were reported across the island: Northern division – 1,664 cases, Central division – 2,929 cases, and Southern division – 2,411 cases.

In comparison, 8,627 crimes were reported during the same period in 2024, showcasing a remarkable overall decrease of 19% in criminal activity.

In specific crime categories, burglaries have decreased by 17%, robberies by 5%, firearm offenses by 42%, theft of motor vehicles by 3%, and sexual offenses by 29%.

Notably, there has been an increase in drug offenses by 13% and stealing from persons by 27%.

In 2025, there have been 28 recorded homicides, compared to 40+ in the corresponding period for 2024. Of these, 27 cases are classified as murders and one remains unclassified. The positive news is that there have been no police shootings reported to date in contrast to two incidents in 2024.

Dr. Sealy emphasised that firearm-related incidents account for approximately 64% of all classified homicide cases during this period.

Furthermore, as of June 2025, police have successfully detected 11 of the 28 murder cases, translating to an impressive 39% detection rate.

In relation to firearm offenses, a total of 55 firearms have been recovered so far in 2025, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, revolvers, one flare gun, and an air pistol, along with 4,118 live rounds of ammunition and 38 magazines.

Regarding robberies, there were 97 reported cases compared to 104 in 2024, which reflects a 5% decrease.

Dr. Sealy announced the upcoming recruitment course in July, where 95 new recruits will join the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), consisting of 80 police recruits and 15 ports police recruits.

Additionally, Inspector Nigel Jawahir, Officer in Charge of the Centralized Community Safety Centre (formerly the ‘Custody Suites’), reported a proactive approach since the facility’s opening.

In just four weeks, the police processed over 58 detainees, averaging 15 detainees per week. Inspector Jawahir highlighted that among the 58 detainees processed, individuals have been charged with serious offenses, including murder, as well as minor offenses like assaults and threats.

He stated, “The Centralized Community Safety Centre has energized our investigators, improving performance as they can now securely house detainees promptly after arrests.”

The Safety Centre supervisor added, “This development is fostering greater trust and confidence between the community and the police as reports can now be addressed more efficiently and promptly.”