Acting Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie has reported an overall 18.7 percent decrease in serious crimes including a 16.7 percent decrease in murders in Guyana for the first half of 2021 – compared to the same period last year.
He made the disclosure during his address at an awards and incentives presentation ceremony held on Thursday at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary.
The top cop said 65 murders were committed in June this year compared to 78 for the same period last year.
“Overall, at the end of June this year seven women have been the victims of murder compared to 20 for the same period last year. Of the seven victims, six were killed during domestic related incidents, while of the 20 victims last year 10 were due to domestic violence,” Hoppie said.
Hoppie also disclosed that robbery under arms has decreased by 36.3 percent.
However, he said while there have been decreases in other serious crimes, rape has increased by 70% with 90 incidents recorded last year compared to 153 this year.
“In addition, some 112 fields, 89 acres of cannabis sativa (marijuana) have been located and destroyed and 34 illegal firearms recovered by the police so far this year 17 pistols, eight revolver and nine shotguns,” he added.
