The police have been commended for their efforts in solving a recent string of criminal activities, the most horrific of which was the country’s first homicide for the year.

On Wednesday a 16-year-old youth was charged with the murder of Roudi Shmali who was shot to death in a Minimart on Desouza Road Monday afternoon. The youth was remanded to prison following an appearance before the Child Justice Board.

Five minors between 13 and 17 are also being questioned in connection with the rape of a 46-year-old woman, the police have also arrested two suspects in connection with the Roti King robbery and shooting earlier this month.

Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office Lionel Hurst told reporters Thursday “The police are an important ingredient in crime fighting and we want to congratulate them”.

“We believe this is the kind of police work that deserves applause and we also want to thank those civilians who provided tips that would have assisted the police in their work”, Hurst said.

Hurst also shared his opinion on whether tougher sentences will act as a deterrent to reducing crime.

He said “Longer sentences do two things; they clog your prison, and there is evidence the longer they stay in prison the more adept they become at participating in criminal activities.

“You don’t really want to keep a prison for two long in prison so they could become better at committing a crime,” Hurst said

He said the focus should instead be on rehabilitation programs.