The Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department says the number of fatal road accidents dropped by 16% and fatalities were down by 10.4% in 2006 as compared with 2005. The department said the data for 2006 is the second lowest for fatal accidents and fatalities in the last five years.

The statistics also showed that speeding was the main cause of road fatalities and from a total of 139 fatal accidents 93 were due to speeding resulting in death 61% of the time. The department appealed to motorists to practise good driving habits and to remember to practise the five ‘Cs’: Care, Courtesy, Common Sense, Consideration and Caution. The department also appealed to pedestrians to use the road with care.

As regard serious crimes the GPF found that from January 1 to December 1, 2006 there had been a 7% reduction versus the corresponding period in 2005. However, the police also found that murders had increased by 7%, robbery under arms, particularly firearms, had increased by 21%, 29% less than the increase recorded in this sub-category in 2005; robbery under arms with the use of instruments other than firearms increased by 1% and robbery with aggravation by 27% whereas robbery with violence and larceny from the person decreased by 9% and 25% respectively.

The GPF said during the year it interdicted criminal gangs, including from Buxton and Agricola and seized 143 illegal firearms. The police also said that house breaking offences have continued to decline with burglaries recorded at -28% and break and enter and larceny at -26% however, this may be because bandits who invade homes use firearms in the commission of those crimes.