Crime down says ACP but concerns loom over sexual offences

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) with responsibility for fighting crime Trevor Bailey says despite what persons may think, crime in the country is not out of control.

Speaking last Monday August 12, on “Voices”, a radio programme on WEFM, which was hosted by Executive Editor of iWitness News, Kenton Chance, ACP Bailey said he listens to morning radio and people make comments like “crime is spiralling out of control” ,and when he and his colleagues provide statistics on the contrary, people still doubt.

“….and when the officials speak- and the officials meaning the police, and moreso, the senior police officers who are authorized to speak and give information to the public, specific statistics and so forth, they question the statistics.

ACP Bailey said since Enville Williams took on the mantle as acting Commissioner of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), he has authorized that documentation be provided to media practitioners.

“So, we are not trying to manipulate; we actually giving you the document so that you can study it for yourself and you are at liberty to ask questions based on what is in that document that is in your hand…” ACP Bailey said live on air.

The ACP noted that up to the end of June this year, they were seeing an overall decrease in crime of 8.4 per cent compared with the similar period in 2023 where there were 2222 incidents compared to 2212 in 2024.

“I mean those are the cold hard facts. Am I satisfied? Not totally, because there are some crimes that we need to put a greater handle on,” ACP Bailey said, as he noted that offences of a sexual nature are of a great concern to the police.