Overall crime in Antigua and Barbuda fell by 10.3 percent between January and October 2024 and the same period this year, but police recorded spikes in indecent assaults and firearm-related arrests, according to figures presented to Cabinet this week.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the police’s Criminal Record Office reported 2,720 offenses so far in 2025, down from 3,034 in 2024. Breaking and larceny dropped 9 percent, burglary 27 percent, and general larceny 6 percent. However, indecent assaults, aggravated robberies, and sacrilege all increased, while the murder total remained unchanged at 11 cases for both years.

Merchant said 44 people — including three juveniles — were arrested for firearm or ammunition offenses, and 25 weapons were seized, among them modified flare guns, nail guns, rifles, and an imitation firearm, along with 290 rounds of ammunition. Seventeen individuals have been convicted so far. He noted that police “continue to remove guns from the streets” but still face a troubling “proliferation of firearms and ammunition in the society.”

The police plan to expand firearms tracing and intelligence operations to stem the inflow of illegal weapons and will intensify public awareness about penalties for gun possession, which they hope will act as a deterrent.

Merchant said the Cabinet will summon senior police officials to provide a detailed briefing on the new data and discuss stronger inter-agency coordination among the Police Force, Customs, and Coast Guard to intercept illegal shipments. He added that closer collaboration with the public — through “see something, say something” initiatives — remains critical to improving national security.