Crime and Violence Reduction Strategy Update

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to highlight, some statistics in relation to crimes in Bermuda in addition to acknowledging and thanking those agencies which have played a significant role in what we now see as a reduction in overall crime. 

However before I do that, I would first like to remind this honorable house of a statement I made on November 17th 2017 in which I stated that this government promised the people of Bermuda that we would “give reducing gang violence the priority it deserves.” I believe we have and are continuing to do just that as we work to reduce crime! 

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report the following:

In 2016 there were 3,576 offences recorded for all crime.  For this year, up to and including December 7th 2019, there were 2,977 offences recorded for all crime. That is a difference of 599 offences.  Overall crime is down.

In 2016 there were 740 offences recorded for crimes against persons, which include: murder, manslaughter, serious assaults, other assaults, sexual assaults, robbery, offences against children and indecency.

 For this year up to and including December 7th 2019, there were 635 offences recorded for crimes against persons.   That is a difference of 105 offences. It should be noted that one of the main contributors to this decrease was the crime category of Robbery which according to the BPS was 81 offences in 2016 and is presently at 37 offences, a difference of 44 offences.

Mr. Speaker, in relation to Crimes against the Community which include: firearm offences, other weapon offences, disorder offences, anti-social behavior and animal offences.  

I note that in 2016, there were 408 offences in relation to crimes against the community.  For this year up to and including December 7th 2019 there were 462 offences, an increase of 54 offences. One of the main contributing factors to this increase was antisocial behavior which was at 286 offences in 2016 and is presently at 325 in 2019. 

However Mr. Speaker, It is important to note that last year in 2018 anti-social behavior had risen to 398 offences.  The Commissioner of Police and his senior team, based on that statistic and other factors decided to create a Tactical Operations Division which was led by one of his Superintendents to address the antisocial behavior and gang violence. 

With the support of other Agencies such as the Inter-Agency Gang Enforcement Team (IGET) and the Inter-Agency Community Response (ICR) and other agencies working together, I can report that for 2019 the figure for anti-social behavior has decreased and now stands at 325 offences as of December 7th 2019.

Mr. Speaker, in relations to crimes against property, there has been a significant decrease, which include: residential burglary, non-residential burglary, criminal damage, and motor vehicle theft, theft of property and fraud and deception. 

In 2016, there were 2,428 crimes against property.  For this year, up to and including December 7th, there have been 1,880 crimes against property.  A contributing factor to this decrease is that residential burglaries dropped significantly.  In 2016 there were 551 residential burglaries.  So far this year as of December 7th 2019 there were 245 residential burglaries.  A difference of 306 offences. 

Mr. Speaker, as it relates to Firearm Incidents, it has been reported by the BPS that comparing 2016 to 2019 thus far we have seen a 57% decrease in firearms incidents.  A firearm incident is classified in three (3) categories: confirmed, unconfirmed and recovery of a firearm and Or ammunition.

The last confirmed discharge of a firearm as of December 7th occurred on Thursday 3rd October 2019.

Mr. Speaker, as of December 10th 2019, there has been a considerable increase in arrests compared to previous years.  The BPS has recorded 3,362 arrest this year compared to last year when the number recorded was 2,728.  This is largely due to the use of the iLEN (an electronic tablet used by front line officers), which has facilitated a considerable increase in warrant arrest.  The implementation of this device was in February of this year. 

Mr. Speaker,  I do recognize that there are still just under three weeks left in this year, however I felt it necessary to not only inform this honorable house of the fact that crime overall continues to decrease,  but, more importantly to thank all those responsible for helping make Bermuda safer. 

To the men and women of the Bermuda Police Service, the Reserve Police, and Police Staff I say thank you.  I recognize the job you have is not an easy one.  I want to say Thank you!  I can see the fruits of your labor, especially when you put victims of crimes first!

To the Inter-Agency Gang Taskforce (IGTF), Thank You!   This group continues to provide the overall coordination and execution of the strategy to reduce gang violence. To the Inter-Agency Gang Enforcement Team (IGET), Thank You! This group which includes the BPS, Corrections, Immigration, Education, Customs, Mirrors, Department of Court Services and the Office of the DPP continues to meet regularly to share intelligence and is focused on suppressing gang violence.

Mr. Speaker, additionally the Gang Violence Reduction Team (GVRT) is heavily embedded into the IGET.  

The work this team does in relation to violence and antisocial behavior by our at-risk youth, in addition to adults, serves to compliment and provide insight to the IGET in the suppression of gang violence, antisocial behavior and disorder.    

And finally Mr. Speaker I want to thank all of the Community stakeholders, too numerous to name!  I recognize the key role played by each of these organizations and individuals.

Mr. Speaker, I am reminded of a phrase, “violence begets violence!” The phrase has been used since the 1830s. 

Returning to my roots, it is also a concept described in the Gospel of Matthew, verse 26:52.  This passage depicts a disciple drawing a sword to defend against the arrest of Jesus but being told to sheath his weapon! Jesus said, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword”. 

Mr. Speaker, and members of this honorable house, overall crime is down.  Firearm incidents are down!  Robberies are down! Antisocial behavior is down! I stand here today to thank all of the agencies and persons who continue to work to make Bermuda safe!  I want everyone to know that this Government, and more specifically this Ministry will not rest on its laurels. We will continue to seek the support of all of our community stakeholders! 

And finally, Mr. Speaker, as we enter into this festive Christmas season, and recognizing this time of year is one for socializing with family and friends, I encourage everyone to enjoy themselves in a responsible manner. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

* 2019 as of December 10th