By: Police Press Release
Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 10, 2015 (SKNIS): Police in St. Kitts and Nevis have reported that major crimes continue to decrease in the twin-island federation with figures showing a drop of 43.8 percent for the month of June when compared to the same period last year.
A further look revealed that the same holds true for the first half of 2015 over figures from 2014. The statistics point to a decline of 33.6 percent in major crimes which covers reported cases of murder, break-ins, larceny, robbery, wounding, firearm and drug and malicious damage/arson.
Assistant Commissioner of Police responsible for crime Ian Queeley, revealed the statistics on Thursday (June 09) during a presentation by the Force’s High Command on ZIZ Radio. He said the successes can only continue if the public maintains its cooperation with the men and women of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
“Because of the size and makeup of our society, crime, when it occurs affects all of us in some shape or form,” he emphasized. “That the society is so small that we all know what happens, yet we fail to live up to our responsibilities and come forward with the necessary information that is required to [arrest] those persons who have chosen a life of crime.”
There are a number of ways that persons can share the information and in most cases it can be done anonymously. Emergency boxes are scattered around major population centers in the urban areas where persons can connect directly with 911 operators. Residents can also call 911 toll free or the closest police station to give reports. Crime Stoppers, with operators based in Canada, assures complete anonymity to callers from St. Kitts and Nevis. By calling 1800-8477 persons can report crimes or share information and in some cases may be eligible for a reward.
“I want to implore all of us within the society to [do] our part,” ACP Queeley emphasized. “Crime is a societal problem and not the problem of the police alone. … Do what is moral to ensure that we all tackle this problem as a country.”