Region Six reports 61% drop in serious crimes ahead of holiday season

Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne) has recorded a remarkable 61 per cent reduction in serious crimes between January 1 and October 28, 2025, compared to the same period last year.

The figures were announced by Region Six Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus, during the official launch of the Division’s 2025 Christmas Policing Plan. According to Bacchus, the region logged 186 serious crimes in 2024, compared to just 72 so far this year.

“When we look at the total (serious crimes), 186 cases in 2024 and we had 72 serious crimes as of 2025,” he stated.

Clearance rates have also improved significantly, rising from 49 per cent last year to an impressive 94.4 per cent in 2025. Bacchus attributed this to several older investigations being successfully resolved.

“So we [are] having a higher percentage of clear-up in 2025 and that being we had some old cases being solved in Region 6. So the 61% is a huge effort by the region in terms of decrease in all category of crime,” he said.

Murder cases fell by 18.1 per cent, dropping from 11 in 2024 to 9 this year, with detectives achieving a 100 per cent clearance rate, up from 64 per cent previously. While the overall number of robberies remained steady, some subcategories showed major declines.

Robbery under arms (firearms) fell from 24 to 17 (29.1%), with clearance increasing from 50% to 124% as both new and old cases were solved.

Robbery under arms (other instruments) decreased sharply from 7 to 1 (86%), though none of the 2025 cases have been cleared.

Robbery with violence declined from 11 to 2 (83.3%), with clearance surging from 27.2% to 150%.

For robbery with aggravation, one case was recorded in 2025, with a 400% clearance rate attributed to the resolution of older matters.

Other major crimes also showed notable decreases. Larceny from the person dropped from 2 cases in 2024 to none this year.

Rape fell from 61 to 27 (56%), while burglary was reduced by 75 per cent. Break-and-enter and larceny declined from 61 to 12 (80.3%), with clearance improving to 100 per cent.

Kidnapping remained at zero for both years.

Firearm recovery operations also remained robust. Police retrieved 14 illegal firearms in 2025, compared to 20 last year, but the number of individuals charged increased from six to seven, indicating improved prosecutorial efficiency.

Domestic violence continues to be a significant focus, with 131 reports recorded in 2025, including 91 charges filed, 17 convictions, 17 matters pending at stations, 31 awaiting court hearings, and 4 cases referred for counselling.

Noise nuisance reports, however, have increased, rising from 157 in 2023 to 182 in 2024, and now to 239 in 2025. Of these, police laid 25 charges, secured 14 convictions, and have 8 cases pending.

With the holiday season approaching, Commander Bacchus said the 2025 Christmas Policing Plan aims to maintain heightened security and build on the positive crime reduction trends. Increased patrols, community engagement, and targeted operations will form the core of the strategy.

He reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful festive season for residents of Region Six.