Caribbean National Weekly

Antigua and Barbuda reports 14.6% decline in crime for January–August 2025

By Joanne Clark··1 min read
Antigua and Barbuda reports 14.6% decline in crime for January–August 2025
Key Points(5)
  • The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has received a comprehensive crime report from the Attorney General, showing an overall decline in criminal activity for the period January 1 to August 31, 2025.
  • The report, prepared by the Criminal Records Office of the Royal Police Force, compared current data with the same period in 2024.
  • A total of 2,163 offences were recorded in 2025, down from 2,533 in 2024—a net decrease of 370 cases, or 14.6%.
  • Significant reductions were reported in breaking and larceny (600 → 487), larceny (771 → 659), malicious damage (367 → 288), and unlawful sexual intercourse (16 → 8).
  • However, certain offences showed increases, including aggravated robbery (27 → 40), attempted robbery (7 → 12), and sacrilege (17 → 24).

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has received a comprehensive crime report from the Attorney General, showing an overall decline in criminal activity for the period January 1 to August 31, 2025. The report, prepared by the Criminal Records Office of the Royal Police Force, compared current data with the same period in 2024.

A total of 2,163 offences were recorded in 2025, down from 2,533 in 2024—a net decrease of 370 cases, or 14.6%. Significant reductions were reported in breaking and larceny (600 → 487), larceny (771 → 659), malicious damage (367 → 288), and unlawful sexual intercourse (16 → 8).

However, certain offences showed increases, including aggravated robbery (27 → 40), attempted robbery (7 → 12), and sacrilege (17 → 24). Overall robbery incidents declined from 103 to 72.

Crimes against tourists also fell, with 23 incidents reported for January–August 2025, compared to 44 for the same period in 2024. The primary offences involved breaking, burglary, larceny, and robbery, indicating that property crimes remain the main risk for visitors.

Firearm and ammunition enforcement remains a priority, with 43 arrests recorded, including 36 males, four females, and three juveniles. Authorities seized 25 firearms—ranging from rifles to modified flare and nail guns—and 286 rounds of ammunition, securing 16 convictions to date.

The Cabinet commended the Attorney General, Police Commissioner, and the Royal Police Force for effective measures that contributed to the decline in overall crime. Officials noted concern over the slight rise in aggravated and attempted robberies and urged continued focus on violent crime reduction.

The government also welcomed the reduction in crimes against tourists and praised the seizure of illegal firearms, reaffirming its commitment to public safety through resources, training, and legislation for the Royal Police Force.

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