The good news:

Robberies in Cayman have fallen by over 66% in the first quarter of this year compared to the beginning of 2011.

There were eight robberies in the first three months of 2012 compared to 24 over the same period in 2011.

In the opening quarter of 2012 there were 149 serious crimes compared to 156 in 2011.

Volume crimes over the same period have fallen by almost 12% crime whilst burglary is one less.

Only one case of wounding compared to 8 over same period 2011.

Traffic offences are also down (same period) by 4%.

However, the bad news:

Attempted robberies are up in the first quarter of 2012 – 7 against 3 for the same period in 2011.

Rape cases are up over the same period 8 compared to only 1.

Firearms cases are almost the same 7 compared to 8.

One fatal accident compared to zero.

So what do we make of the statistics?

We were certainly looking for a downward trend over the first quarter as last year started with an unprecedented crime wave with gang warfare spilling onto our streets. It was a terrible year for crime. So what do we say about these statistics? Do we compare them and nod with satisfaction that crime is down?

Or do we say – compared to what

Compared to an exceptionally bad year is this pause to congratulate the police? Or do we say, compared to 2009 and 2008 and 2007…….  It’s horrific?

Yes, overall it is a step in the right direction -mostly downwards. We haven’t started too well with one bank robbery and the RCIPS reporting yesterday (17) a surge in burglaries (see our Breaking News) and warning the public to be extra vigilante and to keep a record of serial numbers of all valuables and in particular electrical items with emphasis to laptops. CI Owens also advised people to mark their property with a UV pen.

There are some very valuable basic steps that should be followed and I urge everyone to take note and I make no apology for reprinting them here:

• When you go out, always lock the door and the windows – even if you are not going far.
• Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in – and remember a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window.
• If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for a thief to get in and out – do not leave the key in an obvious place.
• Don’t leave spare keys outside and put keys out of sight within the house.
• Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight. This will create the impression someone is in.
• Visible burglar alarms, well lit streets and carefully directed security lighting can put burglars off. But make sure that lights don’t disturb your neighbours and alarms turn off after 20 minutes.
• Fences at the back of the house may make this area more secure, but walls and solid fencing may let a thief break in without being seen. A good compromise is chain-link fencing, or trellises with prickly shrubs.
• Fitting a ‘spy hole’ allows you to see who is at the door before you open it. Having a door chain means you can open the door just a small way to talk to them if you do not know them.
• Anyone who wishes to speak to a police officer about crime prevention concerns should contact their local police station.

The whole of the RCIPS Crime and Traffic Statistics Jan-March 2102 vs 2011 Report is posted below. Note in the first Stats the column headed Difference between 2012 and 2012 should I believe mean Difference between 2012 and 2011.