Western Division has recorded a 53 per cent reduction in murders for the year to date. This also represents the highest reduction in murders as compared to other divisions.
But there was an increase regarding sexual abuse against children as there have been 27 reported cases to date, compared to 17 for the same period last year.
So said head of Western Division Senior Supt Basdeo Ramdhanie at yesterday's police press briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain. He said most of the sexual offences cases were solved.
"Most of these crimes were perpetrated against children who were left unsupervised and we appeal to parents to ensure children are properly supervised by responsible people.
"Some of the crimes committed were by relatives," Ramdhanie added.
The division, Ramdhanie said, recorded seven murders for the year as compared to 15 for the corresponding period last year. He said there was also a significant reduction in shootings and woundings and a 22 per cent reduction in serious reported crimes as compared to the corresponding period last year.
For the year, officers have seized 37 guns and last week alone nine guns were recovered, including five in one day along with a quantity of ammunition.
Ramdhanie said the reduction was attributed to hard work, dedication to duty and strong ties with the community which in turn provided key information to the police. He added that patrols have also been intensified, particularly in hot spot areas.
On reports of burglaries and break-ins, he said that was prevalent in the St James, Carenage and Four Roads districts in particular.
Most of those occurred at private homes and Ramdhanie warned owners to secure premises properly and ask neighbours to keep an eye on their property while away. He also advised in the investment of CCTV cameras which are exempt from taxes.