While there has been a reduction in some categories of crime, the Port of Spain Division has recorded an increase in murders for the first five months of 2026.
Speaking at a TTPS Media Briefing on Wednesday, Senior Superintendent Raymond Thom said the Port of Spain Division saw decreases in sexual offences, robberies, larceny of motor vehicles, and break-ins for the period January 1st to June 2nd, 2026. However, the Division continues to face significant challenges.
“The Division recorded a 3% increase in serious crime, with homicide representing the most significant challenge. Nineteen murders were reported during the period under review, when compared to 13 during the corresponding period in 2025.”
Senior Superintendent Thom described 2025 as an exceptional year for the Division, noting a 65% reduction in crime, as well as a similar decline in murders.
Further analysis revealed that approximately 95% of the murders were gang-related, prompting the implementation of targeted anti-crime operations.
“During the period of the SOE, 121 preventative detention orders were approved, of which 60 were successfully executed in the Port of Spain Division.”
As a result, the TTPS carried out intelligence-driven exercises aimed at identified hotspots and criminal networks, leading to significant finds.
“As a result, 18 illegal firearms, 480 rounds of ammunition, and 85.73 kilogrammes of narcotics were recovered during the period under review.”
Through extensive operational planning, increased police visibility, and multi-agency collaboration, Senior Superintendent Thom also noted that Carnival 2026 recorded one of the lowest levels of serious crime in recent years.
