In most areas of crime, there has been a reported decrease between 2013 and 2014, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Emmitt Seymour said during a press conference on Friday at the Gerald A. Bartlett Complex .

Referring to comments heard from the public, he said, crime has not increased in Grand Bahama, and described this as "utter rubbish." The only challenges have been murder and attempted murder, which doubled. In all other areas of crime, however, there was a decrease.

Giving an example of how the community and the police together can reduce these numbers, he said last week a mother brought in her 17 year old son. She was in tears because she discovered her son was involved in criminal activity. With her turning him in, the police retrieved a large number of stolen goods.

"This is what we need to see all over The Bahamas if we want to see crime come to down to a level we know it ought to be. Where everyone, no matter the station in life, is prepared to go the extra mile."

Statistics for Grand Bahama for crimes against the person are as follows: Murder and attempted murder, doubled or 100% increase; manslaughter, no change; rape, 50% decrease; attempted rape, 100% decrease; unlawful sexual intercourse, 29% decrease; armed robbery, 29% decrease; robbery, 61% decrease and attempted robbery 100% decrease.

Crimes against property for the same period, January to December 2013 to 2014, are as follows: burglary, 61% decrease; housebreaking 40% decrease; shop breaking, 1% decrease; stealing, 11% decrease; stealing from vehicle, 19% decrease and stolen vehicles, 23% decrease.

This gave an overall decrease of 24%.

As a result of the effectiveness of the seven priorities of 2014, the policing priorities for 2015 will, therefore, remain: The prevention and detection of crime; reducing the fear of crime; restoring and maintaining public trust and confidence; the safety and security of the public; working with young people; the protection of the tourism industry; and the efficient management of resources.

DECREASE IN CRIME - Grand Bahama has experienced an overall decrease in crime from January to December, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013, said ACP Emmitt Seymour during a press conference on Friday at the Gerald A. Bartlett Complex. Shown are: Chief Superintendent Clarence Reckley and ACP Seymour. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)