ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda authorities, Friday, welcomed a discount in crime in opposition to vacationers to the island because it recognised the significance of sustaining the island’s popularity as a secure and safe vacation spot.
An announcement issued following the weekly Cupboard assembly famous that there had been a close to 15 p.c decline in crime in the course of the first 9 months of this 12 months, in contrast with the earlier 12 months.
In keeping with the assertion, a complete of two,163 offences have been recorded between January and August 2025, in comparison with 2,533 offences in the identical interval final 12 months, representing a web lower of 14.6%.
The figures present that offences equivalent to breaking and larceny, malicious harm, and illegal sexual activity had declined in some circumstances by as a lot as 50 per cent. On the similar time, there had been will increase in aggravated theft, tried theft, and sacrilege.
The assertion reported that, concerning crimes in opposition to vacationers, the police had recorded 44 incidents in 2024, and that thus far this 12 months, there have been 23 incidents, noting that the principle offences have been breaking and entry, housebreaking, larceny, and theft.
“This means a decline in tourist-related crime,” the assertion mentioned, including that the Cupboard “welcomed the discount in crimes in opposition to vacationers, recognizing the significance of sustaining Antigua and Barbuda’s popularity as a secure and safe vacation spot”.
The figures present that between January and August this 12 months, 43 individuals, together with 4 females and three juveniles, have been arrested for firearm and ammunition offences (36 males, 4 females, three juveniles).
The police additionally seized 25 firearms and 286 rounds of ammunition, with 16 convictions secured thus far.
“The Cupboard praised the firearm seizures and convictions, underscoring the Authorities’s dedication to eradicating unlawful weapons from circulation and reaffirmed its continued help for the Royal Police Power by assets, coaching, and laws, to make sure public security and nationwide safety.”
