Wed, 2007-09-12

Crimes of Violence

Total crimes of violence for the second quarter of 2007 were seventy-one. This represents a 9.2 percent increase over the reported figure for the second quarter of 2006. Within this category, the offences of Grievous Bodily Harm and Sexual Assault fell by 66 percent and 46.6 percent, respectively; whilst the offences of Wounding and Robbery/Attempted Robbery increased by 53 percent and 93 percent, respectively. There were two firearm offences recorded in the quarter, compared to one in the second quarter of 2006.

The majority of the robberies reported during the second quarter occurred in Pembroke Parish (55 percent); and of the total for that parish, 66 percent occurred within the City of Hamilton . Property targeted during the robberies consisted of cash, jewelry, cell phones and, increasingly, motor cycles.

An example of one of the more serious offences in this category is, as follows.

3:00 a.m. Tuesday 5.06.07, Pink Beach Club, Smiths Parish, a visiting couple were asleep in their room when they were awaken by two masked men, each brandishing a handgun. The assailants demanded money, and assaulted the man before escaping with a large quantity of cash and jewelry. The man suffered a fractured rib, bruising and injuries to his mouth. Two men were arrested, questioned and later released.

To-date, our efforts to apprehend the assailants have been unsuccessful.

Our personnel continue to confront a negative trend of non-co-operation with the Police increasingly prevalent among victims of serious assault. Specifically, following initial attendance to the scene of these events victims decline to assist Police by providing details of assailants and when challenged by us, request no further action. Witnesses to the commission of these offences in the majority of instances, are equally unhelpful, until as is sometimes the case, they are victims themselves.

There is on occasion genuine fear on the part of some witnesses to become involved, but in general there is a tendency on the part of most to simply avoid any involvement.

This behaviour on the part of both victim and witnesses suggests that some segments of the community are prepared to tolerate violent behaviour. This seeming tolerance has in the past and again, most recently, contributed to further extremes of violence which have ended in loss of life. I would therefore urge the public whether they are witnesses or victims, to assist the police when required in the investigation into the acts violence.

Burglary Offences

The figure for reported burglary offences for the 2nd quarter of 2007, (323), was on par with that for the 2nd quarter of 2006, (325). Within the category, Residential burglaries were up 7 percent over the figure for the 2nd quarter of 2006.

I have in the past made mention of the recidivist component relating to this offence and provided arrest figures for the last quarter. This quarter, it is once again apparent that recidivists individuals are again responsible for a significant amount of crime in this category. Of the 14 persons arrested for burglary in the second quarter, all but two of them have previous convictions for burglary and other acts of dishonesty. Four of those arrested received custodial sentences of 12 months imprisonment, one received 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years and another was fined $500.00. The cases involving the remaining six individuals are still pending before the Court.

Whilst it is well recognized that drugs are a contributing factor to the commission of these offences, what is not as well known is that much of the property stolen during burglary offences goes un-recovered which suggests that segments of the community are contributing to the problem thru the purchase of stolen goods at lesser prices than those which would be paid in shops. I would strongly advise those persons who persist in purchasing stolen goods that they too are committing an offence for which they can be prosecuted.

Vehicle Crime

There was a small increase in the number of vehicles taken without the owner’s consent during the 2nd quarter of 2007, when compared to the 2nd quarter of 2006. Taking of motorcycles without owner’s consent increased by 5 percent over the corresponding period of 2006; the number of private cars taken without the owner’s consent during the 2nd quarter of 2007 was 22, a 73 percent increase when compared to the 2nd quarter of 2006. The number of off road or motocross cycle taken during the 2nd quarter increased from three to four. Overall the second quarter figures for 2007 compare favourably with the same period last year.

• More Press Releases Here