Cabinet Applauds Crime Reduction but Flags Rise in Violent Robberies

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: