-police Christmas plan includes drones
With murders down but armed robberies up, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday launched its Christmas Policing Plan for 2024 and it will run until January 15, 2025 and drones will be among the devices deployed.
Aimed at ensuring public safety during the bustling holiday season, the plan includes a heightened police presence across Georgetown and other regions, with strategies designed to address crime reduction, traffic management, and community engagement. The GPF’s approach involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including local businesses and security agencies, to foster a secure environment for shoppers and visitors.
Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum said there has been a reduction in the number of reported murders for the year 2024 when compared with the figure in 2023. In 2023, 133 murders were recorded while in 2024, 100 murders were recorded from January to November 11. For 2024, 88% of the victims of homicides were males while the remaining 12% were females. Region 8, Potaro-Siparuni recorded no murder for 2024 while in 2023 twenty-five murders were recorded.
However, there has been an increase in the number of armed robberies. This year saw an increase by 11.2% with 239 incidents while 2023 recorded 215. The peak hours for criminal events were highlighted as 6 pm to midnight.
In 2023, 180 rape cases were recorded while in 2024, 193 were recorded up to November 11.
According to a 10-year review, the highest seizure of illegal firearms was recorded this year – 162 guns from January 1 to November 11. The types of firearms seized were as follows: 67% pistols, 13% shotguns, 11% revolvers and 8% rifles. Most of the firearms were seized in Regional Police Division 4 ‘A’. The firearms seized came mainly from the United States and Brazil.
There was a reduction of 14.4% in serious crime reports for the period (January to November 11 this year) when compared to last year. The Guyana Police Force recorded 1042 serious offences for this year and 1406 last year. The largest number of serious crimes was recorded in Regional Police Division 4 ‘A’.
A five-year analysis revealed that 2024 accounted for the highest number of persons charged for the possession of cocaine.
Business owners were advised to install security cameras at their premises. A number of serious crimes were solved using the security cameras around the city.
The GPF Christmas policing posture will feature deployment of marine, mounted and anti-crime patrols among others. Uniformed and plainclothes ranks will be deployed especially during peak hours. As part of the Christmas policing posture, all frontline officers will be equipped with a handheld telecommunication device, body cameras and drones will also be used. There will be an increase in ranks at the two international airports to cater for the increased influx of visitors for the festive season.
Regional Police Division 4 ‘A’ Commander, Simon Mc Bean highlighted Stabroek Market and Sophia as areas prone to serious crimes in Georgetown. However, in 2024, there was a 52% decrease in serious crimes committed in Sophia while at the Stabroek Market there was a 26% decrease compared to 2023.
The Regional 4 ‘A” Division intends to have 102 anti-crime patrols per shift with the deployment of some 222 ranks. Vehicular patrols are expected to be conducted round the clock.
Traffic Chief, Mahendra Singh said there were 99 fatal accidents for 2024. There has been a 23% reduction in the number of fatal accidents compared to 2023.
