Serious crime 28% down - but rape cases increase

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

SERIOUS crime has declined by more than a quarter this year, according to Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander, although there has been an increase in the number of rapes.  

During a press conference yesterday, he revealed that up to April 23, serious crimes decreased by 28 per cent compared to the same period in 2022, but rape increased by 10 per cent.

He said there have been 22 rapes, including two cases involving tourists. 

He said 59 per cent of the victims knew the assailant, while 41 per cent did not know the attacker.

Ninety-five per cent of the victims were under 35, while 55 per cent of the suspects were under that age.

 On the other hand, Commissioner Fernander said there were 41 cases of unlawful sexual intercourse, a 15 per cent decrease compared to 2022.

 Commissioner Fernander said a domestic violence unit in the police force would soon open.

 Meanwhile, he said crime against the person has decreased by 30 per cent.

 “Crime in New Providence decreased by 30 per cent. Crime in Grand Bahama, northern Bahamas, decreased by 32 per cent. Crime in the Family Islands increased slightly from 78 cases to 83, representing a six per cent increase. And that includes the little shop breaking and housebreaking,” the commissioner said.

 There have been 41 murders this year, a 16 per cent decrease from last year.

 Ten men on bail are suspects in the murders, while 24 other suspects had prior police contact.

 Eight victims killed were being electronically monitored, 11 victims killed were on bail, and 23 victims had prior police contact.

 Commissioner Fernander said the motive for the killings included retaliation, gangs, drugs, and conflicts. 

 He said armed robberies have decreased by 37 per cent.

 He said 117 firearms had been taken off the streets, 176 people were arrested, and 117 were placed before the court.  

 He said 1,754 rounds of ammunition were recovered.

 “I also had communication with our Chief Justice, Mr Winder, and you will see as early as the third week or so in May, two magistrates will be identified just to deal with firearms matters,” he said.

 The commissioner said four people are in custody for killing two brothers on Saturday.

 “With respect to that matter, thus far in our investigation, we believe it was some conflict. We suspect that the two brothers were on the way home and ran into a roadblock with about three other vehicles that was blocking the path,” he said.  

 “And whatever they run into and what was going on there, we are trying to determine, and there was some conflict, and they were shot. Officers (were) right on the light at Robinson and Marathon Road when they heard the shots and as they approached, the three vehicles that were blocking the path of the two victims sped off.”

Comments

BMW says...

I am lost by these statements!

Posted 25 April 2023, 9:05 a.m. Suggest removal

stillwaters says...

Say serious crime is down.......where do they live? Not on this island!!!!

Posted 25 April 2023, 11:16 a.m. Suggest removal

bahamianson says...

We need to shut the prison down, it isn't working. Critics of hanging say , hanging does stop murders. So if you stop hanging because it doesn't stop murders, then shut the prison down because it has a revolving door.

Posted 25 April 2023, 11:21 a.m. Suggest removal

themessenger says...

COP Fernander is another politically manipulated puppet, "He said there have been 22 rapes, including two cases involving tourists."
I don't suppose the rape allegations against the sitting PLP MP is a part of these statistics seeing as the Prime Minister has already completed his "investigation" while Fernander and his minions still have their collective heads up their asses three weeks into the matter.
The black hole that exists under the governments carpet must be truly stupendous in volume!

Posted 25 April 2023, 11:47 a.m. Suggest removal

Sickened says...

My hope is that they auction off the rifles and machine guns because I would certainly appreciate having some protection right about now. Plus, knowing that I would certainly get bail and not have to worry about recharging a bracelet or abiding by a curfew.

Posted 25 April 2023, 1:43 p.m. Suggest removal

ThisIsOurs says...

It might become a fashion statement. I can see it now rappers walking around with one pant leg rolled up to show of their gold ankle bracelet
You could get be a fashion forerunner

Posted 25 April 2023, 6:53 p.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

I do not think the police will lie , because the records can be found and compared

Posted 25 April 2023, 7:36 p.m. Suggest removal

themessenger says...

Birdie, you have to be either the stupidest or most naive little crab in the mangrove.
The police have been disappearing records since the Harry Oakes murder.
Those people whose son was seen to be grabbed by the police on Bacardi Road a couple of years ago hasn’t been seen since and the police have no record of either his arrest or his whereabouts.
Even traffic tickets have a way of disappearing if you know the right people and your shingles does be fresh.

Posted 25 April 2023, 8:02 p.m. Suggest removal

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