Wed, 2008-05-07

Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Jackman

Summary of Crime Trends

The following information relates to crime trends in the first quarter of 2008, namely January to March 2008.

Burglary

There were 304 burglary offences in the first quarter of 2008 which is exactly the same number as the first quarter of 2007. Recent crime trends confirm that March 2008 (110) was lower than March 2007 (121). Recently, there have been numerous arrests of burglars and for the last two weeks, offences have now settled at the long-term average of three (3) burglary offences per day. The majority of the burglaries across the island are being committed by a small group of individuals. We have seen this manifested where a suspect was arrested on 25th February 2008 who has since admitted to one hundred and twenty five (125) burglary offences in the central and western parishes. The suspect has since been put before the court for these offences. In another case, a group of five (5) individuals was responsible for a large number of burglaries in the western parishes; they have been arrested and await sentencing.

Electronic items and jewelry are the most likely property to be stolen and in approximately 1 in 4 burglary offences, the offender has entered through either an insecure door or window. In almost 50% of the offences, a window has been used to gain entry which has been mainly insecure but in some cases has been secure. Therefore, members of the public should continue to be mindful of how to make their property as secure as possible, especially if their windows do not shut, they do not have window locks, or they have air conditioners through their windows which can be removed to allow entry to their property.

In the Western area, Warwick and Southampton are the most affected areas. Of the 19 arrests made, 4 subjects were suspected of committing a large percentage of the total number of offences. One subject was prosecuted for 4 offences and associated with 4 other crimes. One subject was prosecuted for 6 offences, but associated with 9 other crimes. One subject was prosecuted for 4 offences which occurred in the Western Parishes however he admitted to several others throughout the Island . He is associated with approximately 6 other crimes in the Western Parishes.

In the Eastern area, during the first quarter there were Forty Five (45) residential burglaries which were evenly spread over the eastern parishes. Thirteen (13) people were arrested for BURGLARY related offences. Twelve (12) have been placed before the Courts with ten (10) cases pending, and two (2) have been convicted so far. A majority of these offences can be linked to a small number of offenders.

In the Central area, the majority of burglaries were residential with the bulk in Pembroke. Nineteen (19) people were arrested for BURGLARY related offences. Eight (8) persons have been before the courts so far. 3 of these people are responsible for the majority of the burglaries and have been convicted. One person was caught in the act and has admitted to a large number of offences.

Robberies/Attempted Robberies/Assault with Intent to Rob

There were 46 robberies in the first quarter of 2008 which is substantially more than the 29 robberies that were recorded in the first quarter of 2007. In fact, the level of robberies in the first quarter for 2008 is the largest quarterly figure in comparison to the January to March period for the last 7 years. There were also thirteen (13) attempted robberies or assaults with intent to rob; this is an increase over the 1st quarter of 2007.

Half of all robberies occur in the City of Hamilton and in almost all the offences the victim is male of black, white or Portuguese origin. Unlike theft of motor vehicle or burglary offences, robberies bring the offender and the victim face to face and the description that the victims are telling us (the BPS) are of groups of between 2 - 6 young black males committing these offences. Cell phones, gold jewelry, and cash are the main items stolen and these offences usually happen from 5 p.m. until 3 a.m. Four of the cases recorded involved visitors to the island.

It is of note that a number of victims of robbery are telling the BPS that they have been robbed and are then requesting that there is no further Police action, which limits the ability to pursue these offenders. Sixteen (16) persons have been arrested for these offences, seven are before the courts, one has already been convicted, and there is insufficient evidence for the other suspects.

We are asking the public to be vigilant and to use all of the precautions available such as not exposing large amounts of cash and not displaying expensive necklaces and pendants when out late at night.

Vehicle Crime

There were 165 incidents of taking a motor vehicle without the owners consent (TWOC) offences in the first quarter of 2008; this is much less than the 237 for the first quarter of 2007. In fact, the level of theft of motor vehicle crime continues to show a long-term decrease and the first quarter figure of 165 is the lowest quarterly figure in comparison to the January to March period for the last 7 years.

However, a continued increasing trend is the theft of items from motor vehicles. This includes coins and electronic items which are being left visible in vehicles. Care should be taken to have any such items secured before parking the vehicle.

We continue to ask the public to be vigilant and to assist the Police by reporting any suspicious activity. In urgent cases, use of 911 will be appropriate, in other cases, use the Code-o-Phone 295-1140 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-623-8477.

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