CRIME RATE DOWN

Crime dropped by 14% in December, assault tops list

Police spokesman Bruno Shioso said they have put several measures to address the crime trend

In Summary

Crime statistics compiled by police indicate 6,197 cases were reported in November compared to 5,320 in December, representing a decrease of 877 cases,

Crime scene.
CRIME SCENE: Crime scene.
Image: THE STAR

Crime incidents reduced in December 2021 compared to the previous month, police say.

Crime statistics compiled by police indicate 6,197 cases were reported in November compared to 5,320 in December, representing a decrease of 877 cases, which is a reduction of 14 per cent.

Among the crimes that reported the highest numbers in December include assault (729), defilement (304), creating disturbance (254), house breaking (158), murder (151), robbery with violence (128), suicide and sodomy (70).

In November there were 171 murder cases, 61 suicide incidents, 19 caused by dangerous driving, 409 defilement, 89 rape cases as compared to 77 in December and 36 incest cases as compared to 34 in December.

There were 304 defilement cases reported in December but officials said they could be higher because some parents, chiefs and village elders chose to settle such cases through Kangaroo courts after receiving some form of compensation.

Sodomy cases in November stood at 15 while indecent assault were 11 in November as compared to 12 in December.

Assault cases in November were at 1,172 as compared to 729 in December, creating disturbance decreased to 254 in December from 409 in November while affray increased to 184 in December from 31 in the previous month.

The statistics show robbery cases increased to 52 in December from 40 in the previous month, while robbery with violence reduced to 128 in December from 148 in November.

Cases of obtaining by false pretence stood at 275 in December as compared to 238 in November.

Possession of drugs was at 247, malicious damage to property (154), stock theft (110), stealing (710), and stealing of motor vehicles (133).

During the same period there was an increase in cases of theft of motor vehicles, which increased from 17 to 133.

Among the killings reported in December include one where Constable Benson Imbatu based at Kabete Police Station, shot dead his lover Caroline Asava, and five boda boda riders before blowing off his head using an AK47 rifle that he had been issued with for official duties.

The total number of deaths reported was 264.

One case of abduction was reported in December compared to five cases in the previous month. Others were gang rape (2), bigamy (2), bestiality (1) and procuring abortion (1).

Police spokesman Bruno Shioso said they have put several measures to address the crime trend.

He said among them include acquisition of more than 500 vehicles to enhance mobility and opening up more communication channels with the public.

“We are visible and always urge for cooperation from the public to address any form of crime. We can respond to scenes within a short while,” he said.

Some of the reported cases however remain unsolved as police investigations go on.

Shioso said the completion of the police National Forensic laboratory will help to solve most of the cases that are pending.

The process of equipping the laboratory is ongoing.

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