By Aabigayle McIntosh

Of the 850 people arrested and charged in 2023, 470 were repeat offenders, according to Superintendent Lisborn Michael, Deputy Head of the Criminal Investigations Department.

He shared these figures during a recent crime forum hosted by state media ABS Radio and Television, highlighting a significant trend that is of major concern to both government officials and law enforcement.

The government plans to introduce changes to the law in Parliament on Thursday to make it more difficult for those accused of certain violent crimes to obtain bail.

This measure is part of a broader effort to address the recent surge in crime and violence.

During the same forum, Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney noted that intensified efforts by law enforcement are beginning to yield positive results.

He reported a significant reduction in the number of crime reports in the latter part of August.

“We are seeing improvement, and the reason for that is that a number of persons involved in criminal activities have been arrested. We have brought a few of them to court recently, and others are likely to be charged soon,” Rodney stated. He emphasized that, despite the progress, it is not the time to become complacent.

“The increased patrols will continue, along with the deployment of intelligence officers who are providing critical information to the operations department. So, there will be some visible efforts you will see, and others you will not,” he added.

Chief of Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, also pledged the continued support of the ABDF.

“We partner with the police to ensure they can be as efficient as possible in removing those who need to be removed from the streets. This effort has been ongoing since January 1st and will continue until January 1st next year,” he said.