Serious crime across the region has recorded a major overall reduction for the period January 1 to October 28, according to figures presented by Regional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus during the rollout of his Christmas Policing Plan this morning. Total serious crime fell from 186 cases in 2024 to 72 in 2025, representing a significant 61% decrease, with clearance rates improving sharply from 49% last year to 94.4% this year.
Murder cases declined from 11 in 2024 to 9 in 2025, an 18.1% decrease, while detectives achieved a 100% clearance rate this year, up from 64% last year. Robbery reports remained unchanged with no increase or decrease. Robbery under arms using firearms dropped from 24 to 17, a 29.1% decrease, with the clearance rate rising from 50% to 124%, as investigators closed both new and previously pending cases. Robbery under arms with other instruments decreased significantly from 7 to 1, an 86% reduction, though none of the 2025 cases have been cleared so far, compared to a 43% clearance rate last year. Robbery with violence fell from 11 cases to 2, representing an 83.3% decrease, with clearance improving from 27.2% to 150%. A single case of robbery with aggravation was recorded this year compared to none in 2024, and the clearance rate rose to 400%, again reflecting the solving of older cases.
The analysis also shows major reductions in other categories of serious crime. Larceny from the person recorded 2 cases in 2024 and none in 2025, reflecting a 100% decrease, with clearance improving from 50% to 400%. Rape cases dropped sharply from 61 to 27, a 56% reduction, with clearance rates shifting from 44.2% to 52%. Burglary decreased by 75%, and break-and-enter and larceny recorded one of the largest drops, moving from 61 cases last year to 12 this year, an 80.3% decrease, with clearance improving from 54% to 100%. Kidnapping remained at zero for both years.
In addition to crime statistics, Commander Bacchus presented data on firearms recovery. In 2024, ranks recovered 20 firearms and charged 6 persons, while in 2025, 14 firearms were found and 7 persons were charged, indicating improved prosecution efficiency despite fewer weapons being recovered.
The Commander also addressed domestic violence reports for 2025, noting that 131 matters were reported, with 91 cases made, 17 convictions, 17 pending at the station, 31 awaiting court action, and 4 matters referred for counselling. Noise nuisance, a recurring community concern, has also seen fluctuations over the last three years. In 2023, police received 157 reports, rising to 182 in 2024 and further to 239 in 2025. Clearance and case progression varied yearly, with 2025 recording 25 cases made, 14 convictions, 8 matters pending at court, and others still under investigation.
Commander Bacchus reiterated that while the region has seen significant reductions in major crime and improved investigative performance, the Christmas Policing Plan is designed to maintain pressure on criminal networks, intensify patrols, improve traffic management, and respond swiftly to community concerns as the festive season approaches.
