Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley told the House of the Assembly this morning that while statistics showed there had been a decrease in serious crime it was still up to the public to continue that trend.

“If you know something, say something,” was the message sent out by Mr. Dunkley.

“ . . . as highlighted by Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva, overall crime continues to fall and for the first time in five years, all major crime categories are also on a decreasing trend in offences such as murder, assault, robbery and offences against children,” he said.

“Although, the latest statistics are encouraging, as a community we have tragically learned that one incident of serious crime has life altering effects.

“Mr. Speaker, in 2013, five people were murdered, three of whom were killed by firearms. I would like to remind the public that Mr. Speaker, nine fatal collisions occurred on our roads last year.

“We must obey the rules of the road and use care as we travel on them. Lives continue to depend on good road judgement. The Government will continue to work closely with the BPS, CADA and the Road Safety Council to develop initiatives to that end.”

He pointed cout that:

1) When compared to 2012, total crime is down 12.8 percent (from 3,990 offences to 3,480).

2) Crimes against the person fell nine percent (from 677 to 615).

3) Crimes against the community fell 31 percent (from 772 to 531).

4) Crimes against property fell eight percent (from 2,541 to 2,334).

5) In all, 2013 marks the lowest crime rates recorded in the last 14 years (a 43 percent decrease).

“Mr. Speaker, although, the latest statistics are encouraging, as a community we have tragically learned that one incident of serious crime has life altering effects.”

“Mr. Speaker, as mentioned crimes against property did show a decrease this year. The Bermuda Police Services continues to remind the public that any suspicious individuals or activity should be reported to the nearest police station or the main police telephone number 295-0011.

“ . . . the Neighbourhood Watch 2.0, technology (introduced last October) continues to enhance our existing Neighbourhood Watches and garner corporate support to expand.

“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to acknowledge and applaud the Police Commissioner, his senior command and the men and women of the BPS for continuing to build solid community relationships. It is these relationships that have strengthened the BPS’s effectiveness in disrupting the rhythm of guns, gangs, drugs and violence.

“Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognise some of the BPS’s partner agencies like HM Customs, Crimestoppers Bermuda, the Family Centre, the Inter-Agency Gang Task Force and the wider community. This Government will continue to support the BPS in our shared mission of keeping Bermuda safe as we believe that the renewal and recovery of Bermuda is founded on making our community safer.

“Mr. Speaker, as mentioned, the BPS enforcement efforts have seen an across the board reduction in crime but it is important to recognise that the community’s participation, support and action have been vital to the decreases in crime. There is still much more that we must do. Safer communities continue to form the foundation for a recovery of the Island’s economic fortunes.

“Mr. Speaker, each of us must work together as we continue enforcement and preventative efforts. We all have a shared responsibility to ensure that our young people have positive environments in their home, neighbourhoods, and schools. The Government will continue to provide alternatives to the impacts of the gang lifestyle on our young people with programmes such as Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT), Teen Peace and Team Street Safe (TSS).

“I encourage members of the public to attend the Bermuda Police Service’s Town Hall meeting on Thursday, February 20 at St. James Church Hall to discuss their annual policing plan further. “

The Quarterly Crime Statistics 2013 (Q4 2013 and Year End 2013) can be found on the BPS website (www.bps.bm).