By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said statistics show that crime in Grand Bahama went down in 2013, and there is no crisis on the island.

Mr Greenslade applauded the police for the work they are doing, saying he is particularly pleased about the two significant drug arrests made in Grand Bahama, where a total of $5 million worth of illegal drugs was seized in the past several days.

“I am very pleased to note that we are starting this year in GB on a very positive note,” he said.

“Grand Bahama has delivered in an amazing way already for 2014: a significant arrest where we took 247 pounds of cocaine worth $2.8 million out of the hands of (people here) – that is a lot of poison that will not reach homes and will not kill people – along with the 308 pounds of marijuana worth some $308,000.

“And, again overnight we had another seizure of 2, 102.5 pounds of marijuana with a street value in excess of $2 million.”

During a media briefing at Police Headquarters in Freeport yesterday, Mr Greenslade said that good police work and having the full support of the community have contributed to the significant success achieved in the Northern District.

“I am delighted at the significant work that has been done by officers in GB and the Northern Bahamas,” he said, commending Mr Seymour and his team of officers.

Mr Greenslade revealed that all categories of serious crimes on the island were down in 2013.

All major crimes against persons decreased by 19 per cent.

According to statistics, murders were down by 55 per cent. There were five murders recorded in 2013, compared to 11 in 2012.

Unlawful sexual intercourse was down by seven per cent, and armed robbery was down by 30 per cent.

The police commissioner said: “Let’s not mislead the public… and lets not allow anyone to demean this place which needs to continue to grow and develop. The people of GB deserve to be respected and the truth must be told – there is no crisis in GB.”

According to statistics, robbery went up by six per cent. There were 18 recorded incidents in 2013, and 17 in 2012.

Mr Greenslade reported that there was an overall decrease of 13 per cent in crimes against property.

Burglary went down by 21 per cent; housebreaking went down by 14 per cent; shopbreaking went down by 10 per cent; stealing went down by 15 per cent; stealing from a vehicle down by 16 per cent; and stolen vehicles went down by 23 per cent.

“Overall, when we combined crimes against persons and crimes against property, there was a 13 per cent decrease of serious crimes in Grand Bahama,” he said.

Mr Greenslade attributed much of their success to the support of the public.

“We are not magicians, when you get significant things like this happening. This is (the result of) a lot of community support.

“Thanks are due to people of the Northern Bahamas, in Grand Bahama, Abaco and Bimini for being on board with law enforcement. I am very proud of the people of the north,” he said.