Violent Crimes Up Countrywide

Chester Williams

Statistically, violent crimes in Belize City are down, despite an increase in murders across the country.  While the Old Capital remains the center of gang activity, homicides in the districts have also seen an uptick when compared to the same period in 2015.  According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, the police department is doing everything within its capacity to address the crime situation in all municipalities.

ACP Chester Williams, Regional Commander, Eastern Division South

“We continue to do what we do not only on south side but the entire Belize City on a whole. I think in terms of when you look at our national statistics, Belize District is still below where it were last year. Yes there is a spike as it relates to murders in the out district hence the reason why the murder count is up compared to where it was last year. And I think that the fact that we are down is a direct result of the type of policing that we have been doing in the city, particularly on south side Belize City. And yes we know that there is more to be done and as a police department we will continue to do our best. At the end of the day, we want to ensure that the people of Belize City feel safe and secure in their homes and within their own communities. We know that the current situation, the way the current situation is, that people are unease. But I want to assure the Belizean people—those who live in Belize City and those who intend to come to Belize City—that as a department, we will be doing what needs to be done to arrest the current crime situation. And if that means going after people more tougher, then we will do it. But whatever we do will be done within the ambits of the law beucase at the end of the day, we are very strong on our community policing effort.”