Crime Under Control

As of Monday, the Royal Barbados Police Force recorded a two per cent decrease in overall crime, even though drug-related crime has been pushing the number of crime cases up.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Tyrone Griffith made the revelation, as he spoke during the Barbados Police Association’s Annual General Meeting, held at Police Band Headquarters, Prince Cave Hall, District “A” Complex, Station Hill, St. Michael yesterday.

“I am happy to say that as of Monday, we had a two per cent decrease in overall crime. So despite what some quarters would say in relation to violent crime, gun-related crime, we have done exceedingly well,” the Police Commissioner remarked.

“We have also been able to take off the streets a significant number of firearms. To date, my understanding is that we removed some 45 firearms from the streets and I think that is a good sweep,” he added.

“We still have some work to do. I have said many times before our borders are very permeable and so, firearms find their way into the country, very easily. Most of our firearms are coming in from the United States of America and we know what is the situation in the US as it relates to firearms and their second amendment and so it remains a very viable source of firearms entering Barbados,” the police chief acknowledged.

He meanwhile noted that the Force is presently working with the ATF (the USA’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), to see how it can stem the flow of firearms into the island.

“We also have to work much more closely with our partners at our borders, to ensure that there’s that collaboration and cooperation, that would get to the core of discovering those firearms,” Griffith said.

Noting that the Force to date has made significant strides as far as its crime solving efforts are concerned, the Commissioner also registered his delight with the fact that there has been a significant reduction in crimes against tourists, even though, for the past two years or so, visitor arrivals have increased substantially.

The police chief took the opportunity to thank the men and women of the Royal Barbados Police Force for performing extremely well and he urged them to continue to give of their best. (RSM)