The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE number of violent crimes in The Bahamas rose by one per cent against the same period last year, according to police statistics.

However, a 13 per cent drop in property crimes reduced the overall level of crime by 11 per cent for the year up to yesterday.

When questioned about the decreased figures in relation to the high volume of shootings in New Providence this year, police officials explained that some shootings were classified as “causing harm” based on severity of the crime.

Incidents of “causing harm” are not included in the official statistics that were released yesterday.

Last night, police released statistics on national reported crimes in the country from January 1 to May 27.

Official figures indicate an overall 13 per cent decrease in murder, and a 60 per cent drop in attempted murder. There was a five per cent increase in armed robbery and a 33 per cent hike in attempted robbery.

Robberies were reportedly down by 4 per cent overall in comparison with the same period last year.

On New Providence, crime statistics indicated a six per cent drop in murder, and a 56 per cent drop in attempted murder. However, unlawful sexual intercourse rose 10 per cent in the capital, with armed robbery and attempted robbery increased by 13 and 57 per cent respectively.

Crime in Grand Bahama saw a 15 per cent drop, with a 29 per cent decrease in violent crimes and a 13 per cent reduction in property crimes.

According to police, crime in the Family Islands dropped 17 per cent.