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Assistant Commissioner Cabral reports a notable reduction in crime (file photo)
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda announced a promising trend in its latest crime statistics, revealing a notable reduction in reported crimes for the year 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
This encouraging update was shared during a news conference held on Wednesday afternoon at the Police Headquarters in St. John’s.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Cliffton Cabral, in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, says statistics indicate a positive shift in public safety and confidence as law enforcement agencies continue to focus on crime prevention and community engagement strategies.
In comparing the figures for 2025 to the same period in 2024, it is observed that there were 1,032 cases last year, while the number dropped to 996 in 2025. This decline is evident across all categories.
For instance, larceny cases went from 384 last year to 342 this year. Robberies, which include both aggravated and ordinary cases, were 57 reported last year, decreasing to 47 this year.
Additionally, house and business breaking and larceny incidents fell from 486 last year to 420 this year. There was also a reduction in cases of malicious damage, from 128 in 2024 to 114 this year.
He noted that the only categories showing increases were murders and cases of missing persons. At this point last year, there had been three murders, whereas this year the count has risen to five.
“As far as missing persons are concerned, there were a total of 16 reported to the police there are only three (on land) that are unaccounted for; these are the three young men who went missing Davis, Richards and Vasquez. There are three others who are missing at sea,” he reported.
Police Commissioner Jeffers credited the decline in crime rates to newly implemented strategies that have proven effective in reducing criminal activity. He also noted that an increased police presence at various events has acted as a strong deterrent. “I received a call after the recent Easter Monday holiday, and the caller mentioned that wherever he traveled from beach to beach, he encountered uniformed police officers; we should not underestimate the impact of such a strategy,” he emphasized.
Police officials are optimistic about sustaining this downward trend and are committed to ongoing efforts aimed at creating a safer environment for both residents and visitors.
It will be useful for the constabulary to further analyze those stats into categories of time of the day. Places where committed and age range of offenders as4th well as gender
Yes i am in agreement with this. But last year they was one that was well itemized as to which crimes saw an increase and so forth.
I’m glad to see progress, but what’s being done to address the missing persons cases? It’s unsettling to hear that three people are still unaccounted for. While it’s great to see a drop in larceny and robbery, the increase in murders is concerning. What more is being done to address that?
It’s encouraging to hear that community engagement is a focus. It’s so important for building trust between the police and the public. Definitely seeing less crime in my neighborhood, but let’s keep pushing forward. Increased patrols are a great start.
Let’s not lose momentum. Keep improving police relations with the community and continue expanding those prevention strategies. It would be great to see more community programs aimed at prevention—teaching kids early about staying on the right path.
And we certainly hope this positive trend continues
It surly doesn’t feel like the crime rate is on a decline.
This headline is misleading.
There is a significant increase in missing persons and cars stolen and homicides. Most of these crimes happen in broad daylight because the criminal element is not afraid of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.
The police only good for harrassing old people.