Crime Falls in Region 10, But Violent and Organised Crime Cases Persist

Crime-related matters in Region 10 have fallen by 38.7 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year, according to the Commander of Regional Police Division 10, Senior Superintendent John Barker.

Barker also reported a 21.4 per cent reduction in traffic-related matters, attributing the improvement in part to intensified community policing, greater police visibility and additional resources.

The figures were disclosed in a video update posted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Barker said police have continued community meetings and outreach programmes while working with residents to address problems affecting communities across the region.

He also pointed to increased resources provided to the Guyana Police Force, including additional manpower and patrol vehicles.

“Our presence in the communities is felt because of the resources allotted to us, particularly patrol vehicles and the ranks on the road,”

Barker said.

He said improved infrastructure, including modernised and newly constructed police buildings, has also strengthened operational capacity.

The reduction in reported crime comes against a broader national backdrop in which police continue to investigate serious offences.

Recent cases include the alleged theft of approximately 90 feet of copper cable valued at about $1.62 million from the Demerara River Bridge. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the investigation, with one reportedly telling investigators that the cable was sold for $15,000 to obtain money for drugs.

Police are also investigating alleged attempts to pervert the course of justice in the murder investigation involving 25-year-old Marinda Ernest of Phillipai.

In another recent case, a Region Nine teacher, Roy Andrew, 31, was sentenced to two years imprisonment and fined $100,000 after being convicted of firearm and ammunition offences.

The cases illustrate the distinction between overall crime statistics and the nature of individual offences.

A reduction in reported crime does not mean serious crime has disappeared. Violent offences, firearms cases, drug-related crimes and property crimes continue to require police attention.

Barker, however, maintains that improved police visibility and community engagement are contributing to the reduction recorded in Region 10.

Road safety has also become a focus, particularly with the reopening of schools. Police have been painting road signs and conducting education programmes involving children and adults.

Barker said several police outposts and stations remain under construction and are expected to be completed soon.

The new facilities, he said, should improve conditions for police officers and members of the public who visit stations to report incidents.

The Region 10 figures therefore present a mixed picture of Guyana’s crime landscape.

On one hand, the police are reporting a substantial decline in overall crime-related matters in the region.

On the other, serious individual cases continue to demonstrate that criminal activity remains a significant challenge requiring sustained enforcement, community cooperation and effective investigations.