Minister says no rise in serious crime

Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, has denied suggestions that there has been an increase in serious crime this year.

He told lawmakers in the Dominica House of Assembly that the statistics for crime this year are consistent with previous years.

“From 2006-2007 there has been a six percent reduction in serious crimes,” Blackmoore a former police officer said.

There has been two murders in his constituency alone for the first half of this year the most recent being the killing of 23 year old Anita John.

Making reference to data from 1994-2007 the minister said only four deaths were classified as murder 94 and the numbers have been relatively consistent through to 2007.

“Thus far for this year we have recorded six deaths categorized as murder. Based on the statistics that is cause for concern but it is consistent over the period of time,” he said.

In 1995 there were six murders 1996 six 1997 eight. 1998 nine, 1999 six, 2001 one, 2002 ten, 2003 eight, 2004 eight, 2005 eight, 2006 five and 2007 seven.

But with six murders already this year should we be concerned?

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