The Guyana Police Force on Friday announced that it has recorded a whopping 25 percent increase in robberies at the end on July 2018 when compared to the same period in 2018.
The police also recorded a 17 percent decrease in murder; a 7 percent increase in armed robberies where firearms were used; three percent increase in rape and a seven percent increase in burglary. A seven percent increase in robbery with violence was also recorded.
Reductions were recorded in robbery under armed where instruments other than firearms were used; robbery with aggravation; larceny from a person and break and enter and larceny. All in all, the police noted that it has recorded a 5 percent decrease in serious crimes.
According to the police statistics, 58 murders were committed at the end of July 2018 compared to 70 for the corresponding period last year.
The police force also noted that it has seized a total of 76 illegal firearms at the end of July when compared to 81 in 2017 for the same period. The firearms seized include 44 pistols, 18 revolver, eight shotguns, one submachine gun and five rifles.
Traffic
The traffic department has seen a 7.4 percent decrease in fatal accident at the end of July 2018 when compared to the same period last year. It also recorded a decrease in serious, minor and damage accidents.
A total of 57 persons were killed as a result of accidents up to July 2018, two less that the same period last year which signals a 3.3 percent decrease. Of the 57 people killed, two were children.
Speeding accounted for 26 of the 57 deaths while failure to confirm to sign were responsible for nine; pedestrian crossing in the path of approaching vehicle claimed eight lives and inattentiveness claimed another six. One person died as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol/speeding.
In addition, between January and July 2018, the police would have made out a total of 52, 277 cases against errant drivers. Speeding topped the list with 12401 cases.
