Assistant Superintendent, Reginald Ferguson of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, said that Bahamians should not dread these figures. Speaking on the talk show “Issues of the Day” with host Michael Pintard, Mr Ferguson said that people are now claiming a “crime wave” because statistics are fuelling this perception.
“It is correct to say that we are having widespread criminal activities in the community,” he said. “But in a general sense, I don’t think we need to be in a position of panic as to what the crime situation is. I think we have it manageable and under control.”
He added that historically, criminal activities heightened this time of year and any crime reported often “excites” the community, forcing people to think that things are out of control. Mr Ferguson said that with crime, statistics have proven to be the more convincing aspect on what is taking place in the country, claiming that the “perception is far greater than reality.”
To date, statistics show that some criminal activities soar above last year’s tally. Five-hundred and fifty stolen vehicles were reported at this time in 2004, while 643 were reported so far for the year, a 17 per cent increase. Murders have shown a 27 per cent increase, with 27 in 2004 and 37 so far in 2005. However, statistics also show that armed robberies and firearm cases have declined. Armed robbery incidents dropped by nine per cent with 580 in 2004 and 527 for the year. One hundred forty eight firearm cases were reported in 2004 and 124 in 2005, a 16 per cent decrease. However, rape reports remain unchanged with 59 incidents in both years.
“We are in a mode to put in place different strategies to suppress {criminal} activities,” Ferguson said. “Right now, there are numerous strategies that have been put in place and I am sure we will bring that quietness back as we’ve always done.”
By: IANTHIA SMITH, The Nassau Guardian
