Major crimes in St Kitts and Nevis declined by 10.4 per cent during the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to figures released by the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF).

Police Commissioner James Sutton said the country recorded 526 major offences between January and June 2026, compared with 587 during the corresponding period in 2025, representing 61 fewer reported cases.

“This reduction is not accidental,” Sutton said. “It is the result of the dedication of our officers, improved intelligence-led policing, stronger interagency cooperation, increased visibility through patrols, and continued support of law-abiding members of our communities.”

The commissioner said several categories of crime that directly affect public safety recorded significant declines.

Robberies fell by more than 53 per cent, dropping from 13 cases to six, while firearm and ammunition offences also declined by more than 53 per cent. Drug-related offences decreased by 38 per cent, malicious damage offences fell by 30 per cent, and break-ins dropped by approximately 19 per cent.

Sutton said the reduction in firearm and drug-related offences reflects the work of specialist units within the police force.

“I am particularly pleased to report that offences involving illegal firearms and drug-related drug trafficking continue to maintain a 100 per cent detection rate,” he said, adding that these results have helped reduce opportunities for serious criminal activity.

Nevis recorded one of the strongest improvements, with major crime falling from 151 offences to 102, representing a decline of about 32.5 per cent.

“I commend the officers serving in the Nevis Division for their professionalism, commitment and hard work,” Sutton said. “Their achievements demonstrate what we can accomplish through focused policing, strong supervision and community partnership.”

Despite the overall decline, the commissioner acknowledged that violent crime remains a concern.

The number of murders remained unchanged at four, while attempted murders increased from four to six, representing a 50 per cent increase. 

Police also recorded increases in woundings, grievous bodily harm, assaults and actual bodily harm.

“These offences point to continued interpersonal violence, often involving disputes that escalate into serious confrontations,” Sutton said.

He added that addressing violence requires more than policing alone.

“Families, communities, schools, churches, youth organisations and other stakeholders have a critical role to play in promoting peaceful conflict resolution and discouraging retaliation and criminal behaviour,” he said.

Meanwhile, larceny remains the largest category of major crime in the country, with 191 reports recorded during the first half of the year.

Although theft-related offences increased, Sutton said investigators improved the detection rate for larceny cases from 29 per cent to 38 per cent.

“This demonstrates greater investigative effectiveness and reflects the determination of our officers to bring offenders before the court,” he said.

The overall detection rate for major crimes declined slightly from 47.7 per cent to 45.6 per cent, a trend Sutton said the force intends to address.

“Every offence that goes undetected represents a victim seeking justice,” he said.

Looking ahead, Sutton said the force will continue targeting violent offenders and illegal firearms, strengthening investigations into serious crimes, increasing patrols in identified hotspots and expanding intelligence-led operations.

“We will continue investing in technology, training and partnerships that improve our ability to prevent crime before it occurs, while enhancing our ability to solve crime when they do occur,” he said.

The commissioner also thanked officers and civilian staff of the RSCNPF for their continued work in improving public safety across St Kitts and Nevis.