Decrease in Reported Crimes in Antigua and Barbuda for 2025

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.