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There has been an overall increase in all crime categories from January to May 31 this year, when compared to the same period in 2024.
The Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit is reporting a 41% increase in major crimes overall, driven largely by a 98% increase in robberies.
Addressing a strategic meeting to discuss first-quarter crime reports from the Barbados Crime Observatory, Senior Research Analyst Kirt Goodridge said murders accounted for 7% of major crimes against the person between January and May.
He noted there was an average of four murders per month, with the average age of victims being 31 and that of arrested accused being 28.
44 % of the murders occurred in St. Michael, and 94% of the victims were male.
Mr. Goodridge also revealed that in June there were nine murders, eight of which were firearm-enabled. All of the victims were male, bringing the total number of murders for the year so far to 28.
The unit also reported a significant 150% increase in livestock theft, a 67% increase in motor vehicle theft, and a 52% rise in store theft.
Additionally, there has been a modest 9% increase in major property crimes, marked by a 45% increase in commercial burglary.
In 2024, Barbados recorded 49 murders, a 158% increase from 2023.
