Police figures show 8.3% drop in crime from 2021 to 2022
Offences recorded by police fell by more than 8 per cent in 2022 compared to the previous year, the Bermuda Police Service said today.
The release of the crime statistics for 2022 showed that, while “crimes against the person” increased, overall offences fell by 263.
“Of note, this also represents the fourth consecutive yearly decrease from a high of 3,694 offences back in 2018,” the BPS said.
Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, explained: “While there have been increases in some categories, the fact remains that overall, crime was down in 2022.
“Admittedly, Covid regulations would have had an influence on the figures.
“However, despite the challenges highlighted here, your Bermuda Police Service continues its efforts, unabated, to maintain this downward trend.
“We may not get it right all the time, but we seek to ensure that we do get it right the majority of the time.”
The report showed that 2,902 offences were recorded in 2022 — an 8.3 per cent decrease from the previous year, when there were 3,165 offences.
Part of the decline included crimes against the community and antisocial behaviour.
It is believed that the drop was predominantly as a result of the Covid-19 regulations still in place.
Nine murders also took place in 2022, five of which were the result of firearms offences. Three people died from bladed articles and one died following an assault.
The incidents were among the 693 crimes against the person that year.
Overall, crimes against the person were up by 114 in 2022, when compared to 2021’s 579 crimes.
The figures showed that there were 11 road traffic fatalities, while another 132 people were seriously injured in collisions.
A police spokesman said that the “vast majority” of those incidents were caused by speeding and impaired driving.
He added: “While the BPS is working assiduously to address the incidence of road traffic collisions, as evidenced by the 9,233 traffic tickets issued in 2022, the public must do its part by exercising greater caution when operating a vehicle and not engaging in driving whilst impaired.”
On the same matter, Mr Simons said: “What will aid in making that effort successful is your continued support.”
He added: “We thank the public for continuing to hold us accountable, as we perform our duties in meeting our mandate of making Bermuda safer.
“As I have often said, the community is the police and the police is the community.
“It is through this partnership that we will continue to ensure Bermuda’s reputation as a safe jurisdiction.”
• To see the report in full, see Related Media
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