Antigua and Barbuda recorded an overall decline in reported crime this year, with police data showing fewer offences across most major categories compared with the same period in 2024.
Figures released by the Criminal Investigations Department for January to November indicate a net reduction of 280 reported crimes. Property-related offences fell, including breaking and larceny, which dropped from 794 to 726 cases, burglaries from 97 to 65, and malicious damage from 445 to 379. Reports of larceny also declined to 957 from 1,017.
Police credit enhanced patrols and stronger community vigilance for the reductions.
The data, however, point to increases in some violent crimes. Aggravated robbery rose to 46 cases from 28, while shootings increased from 25 to 31. Kidnapping, which had not been reported in the comparable period last year, was recorded in three cases. Attempted murder remained unchanged at two cases, and murders edged down slightly from 12 to 11. Overall robbery declined to 115 from 125.
Sexual offences showed mixed trends. Reports of rape fell from 21 to 15, but indecent assault and unlawful confinement increased.
Financial crimes also dropped sharply, with fraud cases falling from 57 to 31 and fraudulent conversion from 13 to four.
In its crime statistics report, CID said the overall downward trend is encouraging but warned that the rise in gun-related robberies and shootings remains a pressing concern. Police said investigative and surveillance efforts are being intensified to target those responsible for the increase in violent offences.
