Commonwealth _ The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) reported a notable decrease in serious crimes for 2022/2023, according to Commissioner Clayton Fernander. The findings indicate a 21% reduction in major crimes compared to the previous year, reflecting a successful effort in crime prevention and control.
The total number of major crimes recorded in 2023 was 3,153, a significant drop from 3,979 in 2022. This reduction encompasses various types of crimes, including both crimes against persons and property crimes. The statistics suggest an overall improvement in public safety and security.
This decrease in major crimes can be attributed to strategic policing initiatives, including increased patrols, targeted operations, and community engagement efforts. The RBPF’s focus on proactive crime-fighting measures, such as cracking down on illegal firearms and drugs, has contributed to the overall decline.
Regional Declines
The reduction was most notable in New Providence and Grand Bahama, which experienced decreases of 23% and 15%, respectively. The Family Islands District, however, saw no change in its crime rate compared to 2022.
Property Crimes
Crimes against property saw a 19% decrease, with 2,356 incidents in 2023 compared to 2,907 in 2022. Declines were seen across the regions, with New Providence experiencing a 22% drop, Grand Bahama a 10% decrease, and the Family Islands District a 4% reduction. The most common property crimes included housebreakings, which decreased by 27% to 372 incidents, and shopbreakings, which decreased by 28% to 375 incidents.
Crimes Against Persons
Crimes against persons also decreased by 26%, from 1,072 incidents in 2022 to 797 in 2023. The reduction was more pronounced in New Providence, with a 27% decrease, and in Grand Bahama, with a 35% drop. However, the Family Islands District saw a 33% increase in crimes against persons.
Homicides and Firearm Offenses
The overall solvency rate for homicides was 65%. Victims were primarily between the ages of 18 and 45, accounting for 89% of all cases. Firearms were the most common weapon, used in 98 homicides, and gunshot wounds remained the leading cause of death.
Robberies and Vehicle Theft
Armed robberies decreased by 34%, from 555 incidents in 2022 to 368 in 2023, mostly in the Southwestern and Southeastern Divisions. Most incidents occurred between 5 pm and 11 pm, with firearms as the preferred weapon. Robberies also fell by 44%, from 124 incidents in 2022 to 70 in 2023, with most cases in the Central, Southeastern, and South-Central Divisions.
Stolen vehicles decreased by 22%, from 330 incidents in 2022 to 257 in 2023. Nissans were the most targeted vehicles, making up 36% of all thefts. Stealing from vehicles also decreased by 38%, from 410 incidents in 2022 to 253 in 2023. Frequently stolen items included cash, cellular phones, and personal effects.
Firearms and Ammunition Seizures
A total of 355 firearms and 8,995 rounds of ammunition were discovered and/or seized throughout The Bahamas. This led to 474 people being charged with possession of illegal firearms. ShotSpotter technology detected 1,357 gunshot incidents.
Law Enforcement Efforts
The RBPF conducted numerous operations to combat crime, including 16,406 field check patrols, 45,655 stop and search profiles, 683 road checks, and 668 search warrants. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 16,950 individuals for various major and minor offenses. Of these, 11,516 were charged and placed before the court, reflecting a 69% charge rate.
The RBPF’s strategic crime-fighting initiatives have led to significant reductions in serious crime across several key categories, including property crimes, crimes against persons, and firearm offenses. Continued efforts to enhance community policing and crime prevention strategies appear to be paying dividends, contributing to safer communities across The Bahamas.
