The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is hailing an overall drop in crime across the country, even as it warns that violent robberies remain a cause for concern.
A detailed report from Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin, drawing on data from the Criminal Records Office of the Royal Police Force, was presented to Cabinet this week. The figures cover the period January 1 to August 31, 2025, with comparisons to the same period in 2024.
General Decline in Crime
The statistics show that 2,163 offences were recorded in 2025, compared to 2,533 the year before, a 14.6 percent decrease amounting to 370 fewer cases.
Notable declines were reported in several major categories:
Breaking and Larceny: down by 113 cases (600 → 487)
Larceny: down by 112 cases (771 → 659)
Malicious Damage: down by 79 cases (367 → 288)
Unlawful Sexual Intercourse: halved from 16 to 8 cases
The general crime of robbery also fell from 103 cases in 2024 to 72 this year.
Rise in Violent Offences
Despite the overall reduction, the Attorney General’s report flagged increases in more violent incidents:
Aggravated Robbery: 27 → 40 (up 13)
Attempted Robbery: 7 → 12 (up 5)
Sacrilege: 17 → 24 (up 7)
Crimes Against Tourists
Cabinet also welcomed a reduction in offences targeting visitors. In 2024, there were 44 reported incidents, compared to 23 so far in 2025, mainly involving property crimes such as breaking, burglary, larceny, and robbery.
Firearms and Ammunition Seizures
Police have also stepped up enforcement against illegal weapons. Between January and August, 43 individuals were arrested for firearm and ammunition offences, including 36 men, 4 women, and 3 juveniles. Officers seized 25 firearms—among them rifles and modified flare and nail guns—along with 286 rounds of ammunition. Sixteen convictions have already been secured.
Cabinet’s Response
In responding to the report, the Cabinet:
- Commended the Attorney General, Police Commissioner, and the Royal Police Force for strategies that reduced overall crime.
- Expressed concern over the increase in aggravated and attempted robberies, ordering continued focus on tackling violent crime.
- Welcomed the decline in crimes against tourists, stressing the importance of Antigua and Barbuda’s image as a safe destination.
- Praised firearm seizures and convictions as proof of the Government’s commitment to disarming criminals.
- Reaffirmed its pledge to support the Police Force with resources, training, and legislation to strengthen public safety.
Down because some persons stopped wasting their time reporting. Wild guest why? Because when reported the police don’t follow up and if you try to follow up you get transferred to Tim Dick & Harry,& all of them will be lost no idea what you’re talking about. Then… 9/10 times even if they follow up dem nah solve nutn.
Based on what I just read it meansnimprovements have been made. Keep up the good work
For those still commiting robberies like they didn’t learn anything from the one who got shot and eventually died. Hmmm. Time longer than rope
Nursing much to applaud when people cannot live in peace
People have become very desperate these days. We must look out and be prepared to defend ourselves. It’s a crazy work out there
Let us keep it that way. Good news
It should keep on dropping,violence is never the answer these young men minds a poisoned with the music they listen to
Antigua full of young thieves,in Dominica it’s less developed and we hardly hear about a robbery in the country a place like Antigua that’s full of jobs shouldn’t have so much larceny
Great news,we need more peace in the country
So crime down… but robberies up? Sounds like we’re just trading problems.
The stats says one thing but I dont see a huge reduction in crime based on our feelings on the ground