HGP NIGHTLY NEWS – Crime in the heart of the capital is plunging, and police say the turnaround is nothing short of dramatic. Regional Division 4A, which covers Georgetown and some of Guyana’s most active commercial zones, has recorded a staggering 76 percent drop in serious crime over the past five years, according to Divisional Commander Simon McBean.
Speaking at the Guyana Police Force’s Annual Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Monday, McBean revealed that serious crimes in the division have fallen from 836 cases in 2020 to just 200 so far in 2025. Even compared to last year, the trend continues downward, with a further 2.4 percent reduction recorded over the same period.
The numbers are especially striking given that Georgetown remains a magnet for criminal activity due to rapid economic growth, increased business traffic, and expanding urban activity. Despite those pressures, McBean said the division has managed to tighten its grip on crime through what he described as a disciplined and deliberate policing strategy.
Behind the sharp decline, the commander pointed to three pillars driving the transformation: stronger leadership, expanded use of technology, and deeper engagement with communities. He said these elements have reshaped how police operate and strengthened cooperation between law enforcement and residents.
Still, McBean warned that falling crime figures do not automatically translate into public confidence. While the statistics paint a positive picture, fear of crime remains a challenge. “One serious crime is still one too many,” he said, stressing that safety must be felt on the streets, not just recorded in reports.
The division’s enforcement data underscores the intensity of its operations. Over the period under review, police investigated more than 16,500 reports and laid 3,501 criminal charges. Officers also seized 28 illegal firearms and intercepted over 65 kilograms of cannabis, along with 18 grams of cocaine.
Traffic enforcement has also produced mixed results. Fatal accidents have dropped by 24 percent, a significant improvement, though overall traffic collisions have risen slightly by three percent. More than 5,660 drivers were hauled before the courts for traffic violations.
As Division 4A moves into the new year, McBean said the mission is clear: ensure that the steep drop in crime is matched by a real sense of security for residents navigating Georgetown’s streets every day.
