GenX
06-13-08, - 11:06 AM
By KRYSTEL ROLLE, Guardian Staff Reporter, krystel@nasguard.com
The murder rate is down nine percent compared to the same period last year, but attempted murder and rape rates have seen an increase, Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest revealed yesterday.
He said drug trafficking and revenge killing were among the list of identified reasons for violence and murder in the country, according to the latest crime statistics — from January 1, 2008 to June 10, 2008 — that were released in the House of Assembly on Thursday.
Robbery and attempted robbery saw a dramatic increase, jumping by 195 percent and 350 percent, respectively. And crime against property in general saw a significant increase this year, with every sector recording jumps for a total increase over the same time last year of 22 percent across The Bahamas.
"Up to June 10 this year, 32 murders had been committed, compared to 35 for the same period in 2007. Drug trafficking, arguments, revenge killings and domestic violence continue to impact the murder rate, and illegal guns continued to be the weapon of choice," said the minister yesterday in his contribution to the 2008/09 Budget debate.
He said reports of attempted murder rose by an astounding 400 percent, from zero in 2007 to four in 2008. Incidences of rape rose from 55 in 2007 to 60 in 2008.
There have been no cases of manslaughter reported so far for the year, as compared to three cases in 2007.
Armed robbery decreased by six percent, from 365 to 344, for the same period in 2008.
Turnquest noted that the majority of violent crimes, particularly murder, are committed by young men, who also account for the vast majority of the inmates at Her Majesty's Prison.
Regarding crimes against property, burglary saw a 28 percent increase, with 128 reports in 2007 and 162 in 2008.
Housebreaking reports jumped by 16 percent, with 1,134 in 2007 and 1,318 in 2008. Shop breaking saw a minor increase with 648 in 2007 to 682 in 2008.
Stealing rose by nine percent, from 563 in 2007 to 616 in 2008.
Stealing from a vehicle saw the most significant increase, rising by 113 percent. In 2007, there were 281 reports, while in 2008 there were 598 reports.
Stolen vehicle reports jumped by 21 percent, from 433 to 522.
The minister also released the crime statistics for New Providence, which recorded slight differences as the majority of the crimes are committed in the capital.
House breaking incidences saw a decrease of three percent, while rape recorded a more substantial increase of 22 percent in New Providence.
Turnquest said housebreaking was "far too high and obviously we're concerned about it."
Crimes against the person in Grand Bahama saw a general decrease.
All categories, except for robbery, saw decreases or did not change at all.
Crimes against the person include murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, rape, attempted rape, unlawful sexual intercourse, armed robbery, robbery and attempted robbery.
Crimes against property increased by 20 percent in total.
On the Family Islands, crimes against property increased by 110 percent, while crimes against the person decreased by 10 percent.
"Let me assure the Bahamian public, however, that the government is working assiduously to combat crime and criminality in our communities and in our country, in a determined effort to halt and reverse disturbing crime trends," Turnquest said.
He noted that the Crime Advisory Council recently held a strategic retreat.
Turnquest said the group was now in the process of preparing its report — a draft strategy to tackle crime — which will be presented to him when finished
The murder rate is down nine percent compared to the same period last year, but attempted murder and rape rates have seen an increase, Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest revealed yesterday.
He said drug trafficking and revenge killing were among the list of identified reasons for violence and murder in the country, according to the latest crime statistics — from January 1, 2008 to June 10, 2008 — that were released in the House of Assembly on Thursday.
Robbery and attempted robbery saw a dramatic increase, jumping by 195 percent and 350 percent, respectively. And crime against property in general saw a significant increase this year, with every sector recording jumps for a total increase over the same time last year of 22 percent across The Bahamas.
"Up to June 10 this year, 32 murders had been committed, compared to 35 for the same period in 2007. Drug trafficking, arguments, revenge killings and domestic violence continue to impact the murder rate, and illegal guns continued to be the weapon of choice," said the minister yesterday in his contribution to the 2008/09 Budget debate.
He said reports of attempted murder rose by an astounding 400 percent, from zero in 2007 to four in 2008. Incidences of rape rose from 55 in 2007 to 60 in 2008.
There have been no cases of manslaughter reported so far for the year, as compared to three cases in 2007.
Armed robbery decreased by six percent, from 365 to 344, for the same period in 2008.
Turnquest noted that the majority of violent crimes, particularly murder, are committed by young men, who also account for the vast majority of the inmates at Her Majesty's Prison.
Regarding crimes against property, burglary saw a 28 percent increase, with 128 reports in 2007 and 162 in 2008.
Housebreaking reports jumped by 16 percent, with 1,134 in 2007 and 1,318 in 2008. Shop breaking saw a minor increase with 648 in 2007 to 682 in 2008.
Stealing rose by nine percent, from 563 in 2007 to 616 in 2008.
Stealing from a vehicle saw the most significant increase, rising by 113 percent. In 2007, there were 281 reports, while in 2008 there were 598 reports.
Stolen vehicle reports jumped by 21 percent, from 433 to 522.
The minister also released the crime statistics for New Providence, which recorded slight differences as the majority of the crimes are committed in the capital.
House breaking incidences saw a decrease of three percent, while rape recorded a more substantial increase of 22 percent in New Providence.
Turnquest said housebreaking was "far too high and obviously we're concerned about it."
Crimes against the person in Grand Bahama saw a general decrease.
All categories, except for robbery, saw decreases or did not change at all.
Crimes against the person include murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, rape, attempted rape, unlawful sexual intercourse, armed robbery, robbery and attempted robbery.
Crimes against property increased by 20 percent in total.
On the Family Islands, crimes against property increased by 110 percent, while crimes against the person decreased by 10 percent.
"Let me assure the Bahamian public, however, that the government is working assiduously to combat crime and criminality in our communities and in our country, in a determined effort to halt and reverse disturbing crime trends," Turnquest said.
He noted that the Crime Advisory Council recently held a strategic retreat.
Turnquest said the group was now in the process of preparing its report — a draft strategy to tackle crime — which will be presented to him when finished