Antigua and Barbuda Sees Overall Decline in Crime, Including Those Against Tourists

ST. JOHN’S,  Antigua – The Antigua and Barbuda government has welcomed a reduction in crime against tourists to the island as it recognized the importance of maintaining the island’s reputation as a safe and secure destination.

Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, speaking at the end of cabinet news conferenceA statement issued following the weekly Cabinet meeting noted that there had been a near 15 per cent decline in crime during the first nine months of this year, as compared with the previous year.

According to the statement, a total of 2,163 offences were recorded between January and August 2025, compared to 2,533 offences in the same period last year, a net decrease of 14.6 percent.

The figures show that offences such as breaking and larceny, malicious damage and unlawful sexual intercourse, had declined in some cases by as much as 50 per cent while there had been increases in aggravated robbery, attempted robbery and sacrilege.

The statement said that with regards to crimes against tourists, the police had recorded 44 incidents from the year, 2024, and that so far this this year there have been 23 incidents, noting that the main offences were breaking, burglary, larceny, and robbery.

“This indicates a decline in tourist-related crime,” the statement said, adding that Cabinet “welcomed the reduction in crimes against tourists, recognizing the importance of maintaining Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a safe and secure destination”.

The figures show that between January and August this year, 43 people, including four females and three juveniles, were arrested for firearm and ammunition offences (36 males, 4 females, 3 juveniles).

The police also seized 25 firearms and 286 rounds of ammunition with 16 convictions secured to date.

“The Cabinet praised the firearm seizures and convictions, underscoring the Government’s commitment to removing illegal weapons from circulation and reaffirmed its continued support for the Royal Police Force through resources, training, and legislation, to ensure public safety and national security.”