The Belize Police Department this week released the comparative crime statistics for the first five months of the year indicating that major crimes are down compared to the same period in 2012. Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie, who was appointed to that post five months ago, was understandably relieved and proud to report that crime statistics up to the end of May show that there has been a decrease in major crimes.
According to the statistics there were:
51 murders between January and May this year (60 in 2012)
12 rapes (14 in 2012)
117 robberies (216 in 2012)
403 burglary cases (470 in 2012)
394 theft cases (393 in 2012)
Disturbingly carnal knowledge cases more than doubled with 39 reported between January and May this year, compared to 17 in 2012.
Whylie attributes a large portion of the credit for the decrease to precinct policing, an initiative which was launched four months ago. Regionally, there have also been structural changes in the department.
“From my level I’ve tried to provide the strategic directions in terms of where I believe we need to go and I am proud to say that we are starting to see those results. Eastern Division, in particular Belize City with the introduction of the precinct policing, we have been having many successes – not only in terms of preventative patrols, but also interdiction of persons involved in criminal activity,” stated Whylie to Belize City media.
“We have also seen mark relationship between the police and the community. We’ve done a number of youth cadet corps within the various precincts and those have had the full support of the parents and the community so we are starting to see a turnaround within Belize City. We are not there yet, where we want to be, but we continue to work hard in terms of trying to provide the level of safety and security that the community so deserves.”
Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar presented a Certificate of Appreciation and a Check for $1,000 to Senior Superintendent of Police Joseph Myvette
Also this week, the Northern Regional Commander Joseph Myvett was recognized with an award since in May, the northern formation showed a reduction in crime of 45% percent over the month of April. For the second consecutive month, the Northern Zone and the Orange Walk Formation of the Police Department have distinguished themselves as having registered the greatest reduction in major crimes, as confirmed by the comparative statistics for the month of May.
Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar presented a Certificate of Appreciation and a Check for $1,000 to Senior Superintendent of Police Joseph Myvette, who heads the Northern Zone and is also the Officer Commanding the Orange Walk Formation, which forms part of the Northern Zone. The check of $1,000 is for the best performance by the Northern Zone in reducing Major Crimes during the month of May, and the Certificate of Appreciation is for the best performance by the Orange Formation for the same period.
