Police say although the overall crime recorded a decrease of 11 percent, theft, assault causing actual bodily harm, burglary, unlawful possession of illicit drugs and damaging property remain areas of concern.
Crimes against women and children also remain a concern.
19 percent of crimes against women were sexual related and 81 percent were assault related while 74 percent of crimes against children were sexual related and 26 percent assault related.
These were committed in domestic settings by perpetrators known to the victims.
The overall crime rate for the month of September recorded a 11 percent decrease with 1,348 reports received compared to 1,507 for the same period in 2022.
The reduction in overall crime also resulted in the reduction of serious crimes by 8 percent, reduction in crimes against women by 11 percent and a reduction in crimes against children by 46 percent.
Police also say while the overall crime rate recorded reductions in the five divisions, there remains certain crimes that recorded increases when compared to the same period last year. The Southern Division recorded an increase in cases of aggravated burglary from 1 to 5, aggravated robbery from 6 to 8 cases attempt to commit rape from 0 to 2 cases, rape an increased from 22 to 29 cases and theft of motor vehicle cases from 1 to 2 for the month of September 2023 compared to the same period last year.
The Western Division recorded increases in aggravated robbery from 6 to 8 cases when compared to the month of September 2022. Burglary recorded 38 cases compared to 28 and rape recorded 25 cases compared to 24.
The Eastern Division recorded increases in cases of attempted burglary from the 1 report registered in September 2022 to 2 cases for the same period this year. Burglary recorded an increase of 4 cases from 21 to 25 this year, robbery recorded 3 cases compared to 1 and a murder case was recorded during September 2023.
The Northern Division recorded an increase in arson, with 1 report registered compared to 0 during September 2022. Rape registered an increase of 1 case while attempt to commit arson recorded one case.
The Central Division registered an increase of 5 cases of burglary with 13 registered last month compared to 8 for the same period last year, while there was a case of theft of motor vehicle compared to nil last year.
The number of illicit drugs cases registered recorded an increase of 28 percent due to the increased momentum of drug operations conducted throughout the five policing districts.
As Police operations gear up for the busy festive season, the Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci has called on the Divisional Police Commanders to urgently address increases in serious offences, and put in place strategies to counter illegal activities.
He says they have to be aggressive in both their proactive and reactive approach, plan accordingly and posture operations to ensure an incident free festive season.
The Acting Commissioner says elements that would exacerbate serious crimes need to be addressed as opportunists would be looking to exploit vulnerable members of the community through illegal means.
The Acting Commissioner has also acknowledged community and stakeholder support as concerted efforts towards addressing the root causes of crimes from a national and community level has manifested positive changes particularly among youths.
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