Data shows that armed robberies down six percent
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Police were yesterday investigating two armed robberies that occurred on Saturday.
The incidents occurred just days after authorities released crime statistics for the first half of the year, which showed a small decline in armed robberies, quashing concerns in some quarters about a recent uptick.
According to authorities, shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday, a man on Clifton Street, off Montrose Avenue, was approached by a man armed with a gun.
Police said the gunman robbed him of a cellphone, watch and cash before running away.
The victim was not injured.
Authorities also reported that shortly after 11 p.m, five men, one of whom was armed with gun, approached a man in the area of Yamacraw Beach and robbed him of a cellphone and a black Nissan Teanna.
Police said the vehicle’s license plate number is ‘AA6590’.
Police did not indicate if the incidents were connected.
Authorities called on anyone with information to contact police.
Last Friday, shortly after 10 a.m., two armed men robbed a man on Colebroke Lane, off East Bay Street, of a Red Nissan Passo with license plate AC5656.
Last Thursday, Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson released crime statistics for the first half of 2019 which revealed that overall, crime was down 17 percent in comparison to the same period in 2018.
The data revealed that armed robberies decreased six percent, with 229 armed robberies recorded between January 1 and June 30, 2018, compared to the 215 armed robberies recorded during the same period this year.
Robberies also declined by 26 percent, with 53 robberies recorded in the first half of 2019, compared to 72 in 2018.
Murders were also down 17 percent, according to the data.
The commissioner said the improved crime statistics were the result of a more intentional approach by police.
“For the first half of the year, we have conducted 30 major intelligence-led operations throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” Ferguson said.
“As a result of these operations, a number of persons were arrested, charged and put before the courts.”
He said law enforcement agencies will continue to press the criminal element by targeting prolific offenders, expanding intelligence-led operations; increasing patrols in crime hotspots and improving visibility.
There were three armed robberies on Saturday, June 13, 2019.
An armed assailant approached a man walking on Faith Avenue South and robbed him of cash and other items around 6 a.m.; a woman, who was at her home on Sommer Set Way, off Mermaid Boulevard, was approached by an armed man who robbed her of cash before escaping; and two gunmen beat up and robbed a man, who walking on Solider Road, of cash and a cell phone around 4 p.m.
A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident a short while later, according to reports.
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