Despite the perception, crime in New Providence is not on the rise, a senior police official said on Wednesday.
The comments of Assistant Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson followed a warning on crime issued to American residents in The Bahamas by the U.S. Embassy.
The embassy has advised U.S. citizens here to be cautious and vigilant in their daily activities to try to avoid becoming victims of crime.
The warning created concerns among some people who fear it could ultimately have a negative impact on the tourism industry.
Mr. Ferguson – who was contacted by the Bahama Journal – made it clear that he was not responding to any actions taken by the embassy, but agreed to comment on whether the island is experiencing a crime wave.
He said it is not.
“I think when we get successful in dealing with matters and bring things under control for a while people get a little complacent and then as soon as something happens it seems to be out of the norm,” Mr. Ferguson said.
“We’ve had our challenges. We have some problems in the eastern area, but we have been effectively dealing with that situation up there. It does not persist.”
He said what is occurring is “not what I would describe as out of the ordinary”.
“Traditionally, around this time of year what may appear to be an upsurge in criminal activity happens from time to time, but we have put strategies in place to deal with these situations and get them under control,” Mr. Ferguson added.
“We want to have a crime free society if we possibly could and we strive to do the best we can to ensure that our communities are free of crime, but I don’t think we have any need to be alarmed because where I sit I know we have things pretty much under control.”
However, an official in the Elizabeth Estates Police Station recently admitted that there has been an increase in armed robberies and rapes in eastern New Providence over the past two months.
Fearful residents in communities in that section of the island have also been forming and reactivating various crime watch associations.
Mr. Ferguson said while the situation is not out of control all residents must remain vigilant.
“We must always be concerned and aware of what is taking place in our communities. We ought to be aware of our environment and we ought to pay attention to any sign of criminal activity taking place in our community, and please call the police and let us deal with the matters if they seem to be occurring in our neighbourhoods,” he said.
By: Candia Dames, The Bahama Journal
