Major crimes down 48% in Hanover, say police
LUCEA, Hanover — The Hanover Municipal Corporation on Thursday received news of a 48 per cent reduction in all major crimes in the parish since the start of the year.
“Last year this time we had 23 major crimes. This includes murder, shootings, rape, and robbery. So far this year we have recorded 11 major crimes,” Superintendent Andrew Nish, the officer in charge of the Hanover Police Division, told councillors at their monthly meeting.
A breakdown of the figures provided by Superintendent Nish shows that two murders were committed in Green Island; one break-in was recorded at Kingsvale; one shooting and one break-in reported in Lucea; one break-in and one case of larceny in Sandy Bay; and one shooting and one rape in Hopewell.
The community of Ramble had no crimes.
“Clean slate; no murder, no shooting, and no rape — nothing,” stated Superintendent Nish.
He said the 11 major crimes were committed across the parish, placing a strain on police resources. However, Superintendent Nish assured that the police would do their best to ensure that the areas are safe.
He also commented on the two murders committed in Green Island.
“We understand the dynamics of Green Island — the terrain and the people who live there and all that comes within. So, we will be doing the necessaries to ensure that as best as possible — with your help, community engagement, and the team that we presently have working in Hanover — to make Hanover a safer place for all,” stated Superintendent Nish.
Last April, the police had revealed that a fight for turf in Green Island had contributed to 77 per cent of the murders in Hanover between January and April. Ten of 13 murders were committed in Green Island at that time.
Last year, the parish saw a 33.3 per cent reduction in murders when compared with the previous year.
“We tackled it in the later part of 2024 and managed to reduce murders to 48 in number — a 33.3 per cent reduction,” Superintendent Nish said, adding that the downward trajectory continued into this year.
“We are now at February 13, and presently, for the entire parish, Hanover has only recorded two murders. I hope and I am sure that all of us inside here would not want to hear of an incident of murder,” stated Superintendent Nish.
Police statistics indicated that 72 murders were committed in 2023, an increase of 63.6 per cent compared to the 44 in 2022.
