Statement

The overall crime rate for the month of March recorded a 30% reduction while serious crimes recorded a 24% reduction.

However, still a concern and a worrying trend recorded over the last two months is the increase in crimes against women.

For the month of March, Crimes against women recorded a 4% increase.

Crimes against children recorded a 3?crease whereas the number of illicit drugs cases registered increased by 16%, reflecting efforts towards curbing the illegal drug trade.

All five policing divisions recorded decreases in overall crimes, however there are a few areas of concerns which through targeted Divisional operations need to be addressed during the month of April.

The Western Division recorded an increase of 3% in serious crime, whereas in crimes against women, the Southern, Eastern and Northern Divisions recorded increases.

The Western and Northern Division statistics on crimes against children recorded increases of 2% and 150% respectively.

The Western Division recorded 42 reports of crimes against children in March this year compared to 41 for the same period last year, whereas the Northern Division recorded 20 reports compared to 8 for the same period last year.

The most prevalent offence during the month of March was theft recording 306 cases and it has been noted that items targeted during thefts, burglaries and robbery cases include cash, mobile phones, televisions, laptops, liquor, electronic goods and personal items including jewelry.

Of the 196 reports of crimes against women recorded, 20% were sexual offences and 80% assault related offences, 53 of which occurred in domestic settings.

For crimes against children, 22% of the 110 reports were domestic related. 74 of the victims were girls and 36 boys.

Although the overall average monthly crime rate has decreased over the previous five years, we remain persistent in our outreach to our community policing partners to address specific crimes against women and children that often take place in domestic settings.

Divisional Police Commanders are conducting their Divisional operations with the aim of strengthening crime prevention initiatives through community policing.

We recognize that the answers to addressing crimes lies within our communities through various preventative measures that can be strengthened by working together.

ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE JUKI FONG CHEW