TCI: Commissioner James Smith on Yearly Crime Statistics for April 2018 – March 2019

#Providenciales, April 30, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is pleased to report that we have seen a continued drop in crime overall when compared to the same period last year. We have achieved a reduction of 3% when compared to 2017/2018, with 94 fewer crimes reported. While we welcome this decrease, it is concerning that the murder count has risen from 4 in 2017/2018 to 8 reported during the 2018/2019 period. These crimes have a major impact on the country and we continue to use all available investigative means to arrest those responsible.

Burglaries and aggravated burglaries have also increased by 36 percent with 377 burglaries reported in 2017/2018, compared to 510 burglaries reported 2018/2019.

In drug-related crimes, persons reported for the possession of drugs has seen a decrease. In 2017/2018, 79 crimes were reported compared to 66 crimes in 2018/2019. Offences of possession of drugs with intent to supply are from 16 crimes to 13 crimes for the same period.

The use of firearms in committing crime puts citizens in fear and always has the potential to end in tragedy. I am pleased to report that firearms-related crimes are down by 48 percent with 137 reported in 2017/2018 compared to 72 from the period 2018/2019. In reference to the recovery of firearms, for the 2018/2019 period, a total of 13 firearms and 178 rounds of ammunition were recovered. We continue to look for ways to restrict the availability of illegal firearms coming into the country and work closely with partners in law enforcement to tighten control and make full use of our ballistic examination technology.

We are also pleased to report a 17 percent decrease in the number of Robberies across the country, these are down to 98 offences for the period 2018/2019 when compared to 2017/2018 when there were 118 offences reported. This decrease has been the trend over the last two years and we will be keeping a strong focus on these crimes to continue to bring these numbers down further.

Following the implementation of CCTV in Providenciales and the second phase due to commence in Grand Turk along with the application of other technology and our increased vehicle fleet numbers, we anticipate continued success in this regard.

We work very hard to protect our highly valued tourist sector and compile statistics to re-assure visitors and investors that the country remains a very safe destination. In this regard crimes against tourist have seen a modest reduction from 64 in 2017/2018 to 62 in 2018/2019. Again, this follows a downward trend from the year 2016/2017 when there were 108 incidents.

For the 2018/2019 financial year, a total of 214 persons were arrested and charged and have faced or are facing the courts for crimes committed, while a total of 230 persons were arrested on suspicion for crimes committed and further enquiries ongoing.

This year we have placed a strong focus on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults with the provision of a purpose built centre and specialist training. We continue to invest in training for our officers to ensure they are properly prepared to deal with the many and complex issues they face on a daily basis. We rely on the active participation of our communities to assist in the fight against crime and anti-social behavior.

I would ask householders and businesses to do everything they can to make it difficult for burglars to enter their property, perhaps by installing a home security system, keeping all doors and windows closed and secured when not at home or during the hours of darkness, and keep shrubbery and trees trimmed. Be a good neighbor and keep an eye on each other’s property, reporting anything suspicious to the Police.

Release: TCI Police