Crime Chief States.
Wendell Blanhum, the Crime Chief of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), recently addressed the community on crime trends during a podcast titled “Safeguarding Our Nation.” He emphasized that excessive alcohol consumption is one of the primary contributors to criminal activities in Guyana.
During the podcast, Blanhum discussed various criminal occurrences, including:
Disorderly murders
Property-related offences
Drug trafficking, especially at border locations
Domestic violence
Cybercrime
He noted that most of these crimes are committed by a small minority of the population. Although he did not specify this group, he highlighted that the GPF focuses on key offenders and crime hotspots.
Despite a reported decline in crime statistics, Blanhum acknowledged that many Guyanese still feel unsafe. He stated, “In reality, even one violent crime is one too many,” assuring the public that efforts will continue until every citizen feels secure.
Blanhum outlined three reasons why the decline in crime statistics may not be fully recognized:
Victim Impact: Every crime, regardless of frequency, affects real victims, and their stories tend to spread more quickly than statistics in a small society.
High-Profile Incidents: Events like shootings and robberies stay in public memory and contribute to fear, overshadowing the progress made.
Need for Visibility: The police must increase visibility and engage the community to demonstrate their ongoing efforts in crime-fighting.
Blanhum urged the public to collaborate with the police in the fight against crime. He outlined the police force’s strategy, which focuses on the three Cs:
Crime Prevention
Community Presence
He encouraged public awareness programs aimed at reducing the spread of misinformation and urged individuals to verify information with reliable police sources.
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