Police claim 11 percent drop in crime

Despite the daily reports of serious crimes being committed, Trinidad and Tobago has recorded an 11.4 percent decrease for the period January to March this year compared with the same period last year. The six major divisions — Northern, Southern, Central, Tobago, Northeastern and Western — however have had small increases. According to the quarterly report of the Strategic Services Agencies, the Western Division recorded a total of 380 serious crimes in 2003 against 476 for the same period this year.

Similarly, Northern Division recorded 921 as against 928 this year, while South has recorded 560 against 611. Northeastern recorded 360 serious crimes in 2003 against 317 this year while Central figures reflect 363 serious crimes in 2003 as against 402 this year, with Tobago’s figures being 154 against 202 in 2004. In contrast, Eastern Division recorded 180 serious crimes for 2003 against 139 for 2004, similarly PoS has recorded 921 for 2003 against 928 for 2004, and South Western 302 against 193 in 2004. Altogether there were 58 murders for the same period to 61 for the same period this year, 179 woundings as against 146 this year; 128 sexual offences against 147 and 33 serious indecency crimes against 13.

There were 65 kidnappings in 2003 against 33 this year, 1,139 break-ins against 1,291 and 987 robberies against 930 for the same period this year. A total of 99 fraud matters have been reported as against 119 this year with 733 larcenies coming up against against 729 in 2004;  breaking and entering dwelling houses were 90 against 129 and possession of dangerous drugs 1,563 against 1,264 this year. Western Division recorded the largest increase while the Southern Division recorded the largest drop. Efforts to contact acting Comissioner of Police Trevor Paul for a comment were futile, but a reliable senior police source confirmed that while the statistics show an overall decrease, they were not satisfied with the results.