STATIN: Jamaicans feel less safe at banks, ATMs, in communities

While most Jamaicans felt secure in their homes and familiar places, they were concerned about their safety particularly when visiting banks and using ATMs, according to the 2023 Jamaica National Crime Victimisation Survey published by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN).

The survey found a significant decline in public confidence regarding safety in financial institutions and public spaces, compared to 2019.

Although nine out of 10 respondents reported feeling secure in their homes and frequently visited places such as churches, schools, and workplaces, as well as inside their personal vehicles, their sense of safety diminished in unfamiliar areas.

Only 68.6 per cent of respondents felt safe at banks, down from 80.9 per cent in 2019; while just 47.2 per cent felt safe using ATMs, compared to 56.3 per cent previously. Similarly, perceptions of safety at bars fell from 70.2 per cent in 2019 to 62.8 per cent in 2023.

Jamaicans also reported feeling less safe walking in their communities, both day and night, than they did in 2019.

Conducted every three years, the survey assesses crime’s impact on individuals and communities. The aim is to provide data-driven insights into crime patterns across Jamaica and the associated impact on citizens.

The latest Jamaica National Crime Victimisation Survey collected responses from 3,294 Jamaicans age 16 and older between November 2023 and February 2024, focusing on their experiences with crime from November 2020 to October 2023.

Stacy-Ann Thompson, head of the special project unit at STATIN who shared the survey’s findings on Friday during the launch at the AC Marriott Hotel in St Andrew, also noted that Jamaicans said they believe crime had increased over the period.

The findings noted that 88 per cent of respondents believed crime in Jamaica had increased between 2020 and 2023, an increase from the 76.5 per cent recorded in the previous survey period (2016–2019).

“A higher percentage of respondents believe that crime has increased in Jamaica, in their parish, and in the town that they live when compared to 2019,” she said.

“While the number of respondents who indicated that crime has remained the same in their community has remained relative the same in 2023, compared to 2019.”

CONCERNING TRENDS

Jamaica recorded 1,393 murders in 2023, up slightly from 1,339 in 2019. However, Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang noted that despite the concerning trends, Jamaica saw a 19 per cent reduction in murders in 2023, compared to the previous year, and a 30 per cent decline in March 2024 relative to the same period in 2023.

The survey further noted that household crime experiences declined, with seven per cent of respondents reporting incidents – down two per cent from 2019.

Burglary remained the most common crime, affecting 58.8 per cent of those impacted, a three per cent rise since 2019. Meanwhile, reports of theft of motor vehicles, parts and other items fell to 34.5 per cent, down from 41.5 per cent in 2019.

Personal crime rates remained steady, with 21.7 per cent of Jamaicans reporting victimisation in 2023, compared to 22 per cent in 2019.

Bank fraud and bribery were the most common personal crimes, with bank fraud incidents nearly doubling from 8.7 per cent in 2019 to 15.6 per cent in 2023. Bribery cases also increased, from 4.7 per cent to 10 per cent over the same period.

Perceptions of law-enforcement and judicial effectiveness improved, but concerns about corruption also rose. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) saw the highest perceived corruption levels, increasing from 65.2 per cent in 2019 to 71 per cent in 2023.

‘UNDERSTANDING CRIME TRENDS IS CRUCIAL’

STATIN’s Acting Director General, Leesha Delatie-Budair, emphasised the survey’s role in shaping crime-reduction policies.

“Understanding crime trends is crucial for informed policymaking and developing strategies to improve national safety,” she said.

Despite acknowledging that the data is somewhat dated, Minister Chang stated that it remains valuable for assessing crime trends and shaping future crime-fighting strategies. He highlighted ongoing investments in technology and recruitment within the JCF, which have contributed to recent reductions in crime.

“We have to maintain and build on this progress, while ensuring that criminal actors are removed from the spaces they occupy,” Chang said, while delivering the main address at the launch.

“Disrupting gangs, securing arrests, and implementing social programmes remain key to long-term crime reduction.”

The survey highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security measures in financial institutions and public spaces, while reinforcing strategies to curb crime and improve public confidence.

The 2023 Jamaica National Crime Victimisation Survey is the sixth instalment. It was commissioned by the Ministry of National Security and undertaken by STATIN. The full report is available to the public via the ministry’s and STATIN’s websites.

sashana.small@gleanerjm.com