Overall Crime Falls, but Gun Violence and Robberies Surge in Yearly Report

Antigua and Barbuda recorded an overall decrease in reported crimes this year compared to the same period in 2024, according to new data released by the Criminal Investigations Department.

The figures cover the period January to November 2024 compared to January to November 2025 and show a total reduction of 280 reported crimes across major offence categories.

Property-related offences such as breaking and larceny, burglary, and malicious damage all fell. Breaking and larceny reports dropped from 794 to 726 cases, while burglaries fell from 97 to 65. Reports of malicious damage also declined significantly, falling from 445 to 379 incidents.

Traditional larceny also decreased, with 957 reports this year, down from 1,017 during the same period last year. Police attribute this downward trend to enhanced patrols and stronger community vigilance.

However, while overall crime declined, the police revealed troubling increases in more violent categories. Aggravated robbery jumped from 28 to 46 cases, and robbery increased from 125 to 115, reflecting persistent concerns about armed attacks targeting businesses and vulnerable individuals.

Gun-related incidents also rose. Shooting reports climbed from 25 to 31, and kidnapping—previously registering zero cases—was recorded three times this year. Attempted murder remained stable at two cases each year, while murder dipped slightly from 12 to 11.

Sexual offences showed a mixed picture. Reports of rape declined from 21 to 15, yet police recorded increases in indecent assault and unlawful confinement.

Cases involving fraud and fraudulent conversion dropped sharply, from 57 to 31 and 13 to 4 respectively, pointing to tighter detection measures in financial transactions.

The Crime Statistics Breakdown Report, signed by the Officer in Charge of CID, indicates that while Antigua and Barbuda continues to make headway in curbing most offences, the surge in selected violent crimes—especially gun-related robberies—remains an urgent safety priority for law enforcement.

Police say investigations and surveillance strategies are being strengthened to target the individuals and networks driving the uptick in violent robberies and shootings.