It may come as a shock to learn that Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) has released statistics that show that crime levels in the Cayman Islands fell significantly in 2012 compared to 2011. The 2012 figures are also below 2010.

Serious crime fell by 17% over 2011 and robberies fell nearly 42%!! Only 39 reported robberies compared to 67 in 2011.

Why do these figures seem to conflict with what we perceive, or certainly what I have perceived?

As long as the statistics compare apples with apples over the years and the “Serious Crimes” are officially designated as such and not different officers making their own judgment calls as to what they consider “serious”, then I am pleasantly relieved.

There can be no argument that there was only one fatal shooting in 2012 and that happened right at the end of the year. We almost made it.

The stats show only 628 serious crimes were reported to the RCIPS compared to 759 in 2011. With over 800 reports in 2010 this all makes very encouraging reading.

The only fly in the wine is the continual rise in the possession of imitation firearms, rape and aggravated burglary. When it comes to rape the increase could also be due to more persons coming forward and reporting it.

In 2012, 2,659 crimes were reported against 2,936 in 2011.

Let me, therefore, echo Sam Bulgin, the Cayman Islands Attorney General, in commending the RCIPS and their Police Commissioner, David Baines, for “an outstanding job”.