🚨 Crime rate in 2023 rises by 3.9% due to increase in robberies and thefts

According to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), the overall crime rate in 2023 increased by 3.9% compared to the previous year, largely due to a rise in acquisitive crimes such as theft, burglary, and robbery. Despite a slight decrease in serious violent crime, gun crime remains a significant issue. The police recorded a total of 3,995 actual crimes, including a 20% increase in property crime, a 16% increase in robbery, and a 7% increase in burglary. However, the total number of crimes is still lower than the 4,124 crimes recorded in 2019, the year before the pandemic. 📈

Police Commissioner Kurt Walton stated that it is crucial to understand the reasons behind the increase in crime in order to allocate resources effectively. Many of the individuals committing these crimes are homeless, drug-dependent, or have mental health issues. Despite the rise in crime, the RCIPS made 2,177 arrests last year, solved all four murders that occurred during the year, and seized 23 guns and over $900,000 worth of drugs. Walton emphasized that the police are committed to working with their partner agencies to continue the fight against crime. 🚔

The statistics reveal that there were 1,469 acquisitive crimes in 2023 compared to 1,222 in 2022, with the steepest increase being in vehicle-related theft at 51%. Detective Superintendent Pete Lansdown explained that the RCIPS has to prioritize resources, focusing on the most serious crimes such as armed robberies and gun-related crimes. However, there is also a focus on the increase in acquisitive crime, often committed by the same offender. Walton highlighted the need to grow the size of the RCIPS to meet the changing crime landscape and new emerging crimes. 👮‍♂️