Guyana reports 16.9 per cent decline in serious crime

Guyana has recorded a 16.9 per cent decline in serious crime during the first half of 2026. According to the government’s mid-year report, the reduction is attributed to increased investments in law enforcement capacity, technology, and surveillance infrastructure.

The government aims to reduce the overall crime rate per 100,000 population from 6,832.49 in 2025 to 6,149.24 this year. This strategy includes specific targets for reducing both vehicular and non-vehicular crime, as well as a goal to lower the murder rate from 130 cases in 2025 to 117 in 2026.

To support these objectives, the government is expanding the Safe Country Initiative, which increases the network of intelligent video surveillance systems. Additionally, there are plans to train 5,000 police officers and 500 detectives during 2026, up from 3,997 officers and 293 detectives trained in 2025. Efforts also include strengthening community policing and improving the operational infrastructure of the Guyana Police Force.