B Division unveils Christmas security plan
– increased vehicular, motorcycle, bicycle and foot patrols
– figures show 42% decline in serious crime
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, November 04, 2018
Senior Superintendent Paul Langevine and Deputy Commander, Superintendent Wayne De Hearte of Guyana Police Force’s B Division, on Monday unveiled the division’s policing initiatives and objectives for the 2018 festive season.
In his presentation, Superintendent De Hearte, disclosed that for the holiday period which runs from November 15, 2018, to January 15, 2019, Senior Officers will be assigned to different areas throughout the division; from Abary, West Coast to Orealla, Corentyne River, inclusive of East Bank Berbice.
Sector 1, Central – from Borlam Turn to Mara will be supervised by Assistant Superintendent Y. Stephens; Sector 2, Whim – from Borlam Turn to No. 62 Village will be under the control of Superintendent B. Persaud; Sector 3 – Fort Wellington, which covers Abary to Ithaca Village will be manned by Assistant Superintendent E. Davidson and Inspector O. Joseph is assigned to Sector 4, Springlands.
The Deputy Commander drew attention to the fact that there will be an increase in special operations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Intelligence ranks around commercial banks and other business entities. De Hearte said the Division’s plans are to address traffic congestion, reduce road accidents and to provide a safe environment for citizens, visitors and businesses.
“We want to foster a closer relationship with members of the public through consultation and cooperation,” he noted.
The Senior Officer explained that vehicular, motorcycle, bicycle and foot patrols will also be deployed for 24 hours in the housing and business communities; while adding that residents of Berbice and Canje Rivers will benefit from marine patrols. It was disclosed that stop and search, narcotics enforcement and cordon searches will be performed by police ranks.
So far, arrangements have made been to facilitate Christmas Eve night activities in the three towns as well as Rosignol on the West Coast of Berbice. Additionally, the security plan has also taken in consideration the late shopping period and special emphasis placed on various places of worship and entertainment spots.
Meanwhile, Commander Paul Langevine, while addressing the gathering emphasised that the citizens also have to play their part to have an “unscathed and productive” Christmas. He warned that residents should be cautious and attentive during the busy shopping period and upon visiting the banks.
“Our intention is to get anyone who is bent on breaking the law and making citizens’ life uncomfortable. We are there to protect you and we need your support…. Similarly, as we are planning, the criminals are planning to take advantage of the large sums of money that will be circulating, so we have to work towards making sure that their plans are not successful,” Commander Langevine underscored.
The Commander urged business owners to ensure proper security measures are installed and to take necessary precautions when making money transactions.
Crime down
It was reported that figures reflect a 42 percent decline in serious crime over the past year. Between January 1 and October 21 2017, the police had recorded 236 incidents of serious crime and for the corresponding period this year, the record shows 199 incidents.
Murders for the period under review in 2017 were 24 as against 17 this year.
While robbery under arms where guns were used moved from 24 to 32 – a 30 percent increase, robberies under arms where instruments other that guns were used showed a steep decline with seven recorded this year as against 27 from the corresponding period last year.
Break and enter and larceny also showed a significant reduction from 168 in 2017 to 68 in 2018. Robbery with violence also had a decline moving from 15 to 13.
B Division is the only department in the Guyana Police Force to have recorded a double-digit reduction in serious crime over the past year.
The Mayor of New Amsterdam Winifred Heywood and representatives from the Guyana Prisons and Fire Services were also present at the unveiling of the B Division’s Christmas security plans
Story and Images: Kellon Rover and Tanuja Raikha.