Crime not linked to elections- Police Commissioner

Last Updated on Wednesday, 15 July 2015, 16:36 by GxMedia

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud on Wednesday rejected suggestions that crime has spiraled out of control since the recently held general elections.

Addressing a Guyana Police Force Awards Ceremony at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Drill Square, he said increased serious crimes were being recorded long before the general and regional elections held on May 11, 2015. “We have seen increases since February this year and continuously so it is not a case that it was after the election that we saw increases,” he said.

He noted that the largest increase in crimes occurred in March 2014, quite different, he said, from the perception that might have been caused by increased shooting deaths and injuries. “That is not the perception. However, what might have fuelled that perception is more violence. Less numbers but more violence during May and June,” he said.

The main opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has already dismissed assertions by government that the apparent escalation in crime might be politically motivated.

Latest statistics show that there has been a nine percent increase in crime for the first six months of 2015 compared to the corresponding period last year.

Persaud explained that this year’s reported crimes so far are being calculated based on a 15 percent reduction last year.

He rubbished claims by critics that the crime situation was out of control. Persaud welcomed criticisms, but cautioned those who sit behind computers all day to consider the grave risks and threats that police face in combating crime.