BAHAMAS - CRIME STATISTICS AND TRENDS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NASSAU 000071 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/IP/WHA, DS/IP/ITA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: BAHAMAS - CRIME STATISTICS AND TRENDS REF: SECSTATE 228796 ¶1. (SBU) Statistics from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) just released show that during 2005 there has been a 10 per cent increase in serious crime recorded in Nassau, with increasing figures reported for murder, armed robbery, attempted robbery and unlawful sexual assaults. Serious crime has also increased by 33 percent in Grand Bahama, a constituent post, which also has Customs and Border Protection and DEA personnel who fall under Chief of Mission authority. The fastest growing trend in Nassau and Grand Bahama, according to figures released by the RBPF on January 9, 2005, is hit style killings. Statistical information has shown a 15 per cent increase in the total amount of murders recorded from 44 in 2004 to 52 in 2005, of which several hit style killings were carried out to intimidate individuals from acting as witnesses in court. ¶2. (SBU) During 2005, many establishments frequented by Embassy employees and tourist from the United States have been robbed by armed individuals. This trend continues, during the evening of 7 January 2006, the City Market grocery store was robbed by two armed thieves. The store is an American style facility located in a large tourist section of Nassau known as Cable Beach. The store is also typically the sole grocery store used by USG personnel. Two masked gunmen entered the store around 1900 hours demanding money. Upon taking an undetermined amount of money, the men escaped in a white Nissan Sentra. The Police were called to the scene and minutes later, observed a vehicle fitting the description of the getaway car and gave chase. An exchange of gunfire between the suspects and police occurred in a quiet residential neighborhood. One of the suspects was shot in the upper back area and died at the scene. Police indicated the suspected who was fatally shot was also wearing a bullet proof vest. The second suspect escaped, and the Police have launched an island wide manhunt for this individual, which they have yet to locate. ¶3. (SBU) Crime Statistics in Nassau: Crimes Against Person 2005/YTD 2004/YTD %CHANGE Murder 52 44 15 Attempted Murder 0 0 0 Manslaughter 2 2 0 Rape 80 86 -7 Attempted Rape 23 31 -26 Unlawful Sexual Intercourse 189 183 3 Armed Robbery 782 659 16 Robbery 198 200 -1 Attempted Robbery 28 18 36 SUB-TOTAL 1354 1223 10 Crimes Against Property 2005/YTD 2004/YTD %CHANGE Burglary 252 188 25 Housebreaking 2228 1997 10 Shop breaking 1343 1463 -8 Stealing 1483 3793 -62 Stealing From Vehicles 720 1688 -57 Stolen Vehicle 846 7171 15 SUB-TOTAL 6827 9846 -31 TOTAL 8181 11,069 -26 ¶4. (SBU) The Regional Security Office is closely working with the Royal Bahamas Police Force on these issues and has stressed the growing concern of the above mentioned patterns, especially during this upcoming Spring Break season. During Spring Break sexual assaults against American tourist are extremely high. The Regional Security Office has also stressed this growing pattern of violent to Embassy personnel, reminding employees to always be vigilant about their surroundings. HARDT