While the overall crime rate for last month recorded a 30 percent reduction and serious crimes recorded a 24 percent reduction, Police are still concerned about the worrying trend recorded over the last two months in the increase of crimes against women.
Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew says crimes against women recorded a 4 percent increase last month.
He says crimes against children recorded a 3 percent decrease, whereas the number of illicit drug cases registered a 16 percent increase, reflecting efforts towards curbing the illegal drug trade.
Chew says all five policing divisions recorded decreases in overall crimes, however, there are a few areas of concern which through targeted Divisional operations need to be addressed during this month.
Of the 196 reports of crimes recorded against women, 20 percent were sexual offences, and 80 percent were assault-related offences, 53 of which occurred in domestic settings.
The Commissioner says for crimes against children, 22 percent of the 110 reports were domestic-related.
The Commissioner also highlighted that 306 cases of theft were recorded last month and it was the most prevalent offence recorded in March.
Chew says it has been noted that items targeted during thefts, burglaries and robbery cases include cash, mobile phones, televisions, laptops, liquor, electronic goods and personal items including jewellery.
He says although the overall average monthly crime rate has decreased over the previous five years, they remain persistent in their outreach to their community policing partners to address specific crimes against women and children that often take place in domestic settings.
