34% increase in overall crime, 67% increase in illicit drugs cases last month

A 34 percent increase in overall crime was recorded last month while there was a 67 percent increase in illicit drug cases.

Police also confirm that there was a 33 percent increase in serious crimes such as attempt to commit rape, robbery, burglary and aggravated robbery while a 12 percent increase in crime against women.

Police say a total of 160 drug-related cases were recorded this year which is a significant increase of 67 percent compared to the same period last year when only 96 cases were reported.

Out of 160 drug cases, 151 cases were related to the unlawful possession of illicit drugs, 8 cases of unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs and 1 case of unlawful transfer and supply of illicit drugs.

28 cases were associated with methamphetamine, 2 cases related to cocaine while the remaining 130 cases were related to the unlawful possession or cultivation of marijuana.

Acting Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew says children under 18 years have also been found with drugs and police are aggressively pursuing proactive measures of raising awareness in schools, through the media and communities.

Police say crimes against women recorded a total of 220 cases, where 30 percent were committed in domestic settings mostly by spouses and partners.

They say 161 of the victims were aged between 18 to 38 years, 49 were aged between 39 to 59 years and 10 were over 60 years of age while from the 220 cases, 17 percent were sexual offences and 83 percent were assault related offences.

Police say 148 cases of assault causing actual bodily harm were recorded in March 2024 while 130 cases were recorded in the same period last year.

Domestic violence cases against women and children recorded a 9 percent increase where 79 percent were women and 21 percent were children.

Crimes against children did not register any increase or decrease with 110 cases recorded in March 2023 and 2024, and the Acting Commissioner says it is still a great concern.

From the 110 cases, 68 girls and 42 boys were victims of sexual and assault related offences as 16 percent of the crimes committed against children were committed in domestic settings, related or known to the victim.

The Acting Commissioner says the increase in overall crime when compared to the average monthly crime trend for the past five years has consistently remained below the average trend.

He says through community policing, they will continue to engage community leaders, stakeholders and civil society groups for improved and holistic crime prevention initiatives and efforts.