Commissioner of Police Hails Crime Reduction Efforts in Toledo, Says Belize on Track for Best Year Yet

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams says that, despite flare-ups in violent crime at various points this year, Belize is having its best year ever when it comes to crime reductioin. Williams’ comments came at the recent public meeting held in Punta Gorda Town, where he said that the Toledo district is leading the country in terms of crime reduction. The commissioner acknowledged that the police cannot stop all crime but vowed that the police department will work with all stakeholders to ensure that Belizeans are as safe as possible.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: “No ghost fool you and tell you that crime is out of control. Even though 2023 was our best year since 2005 for 2024 we are doing even better. And I can tell you the Toledo district is leading the way where reduction in crime is concerned. In some areas where we see there’s an uptick the Toledo district erased the surplus and puts us still at a deficit. So we’re grateful for the work that the police in Punta Gorda continue to do and more grateful for the support that you, the members of the public have and continue to give to the police. We are committed to doing what we can or what we must to keep you safe. Yes we recognize that we cannot stop crime no matter what we do we’ll never stop crime. Even the countries with the most sophisticated equipment to fight crime still have crime so we’re not going to be naive to think that we can do better. But we certainly will work night and day to make sure that we reduce the potential for criminals committing crimes against our people.” 

Williams also said that members of the public can also take steps to decrease the likelihood of a crime being committed against them. He stressed that an important element of citizen security is for neighborhoods to work together and look out for each other.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: “One is to make sure that you know your surroundings. Know where you are and who is around you. Knowing your surroundings and the environment helps you to know what you can do to prevent those who are watching you from committing a crime against you. Securing your homes. Some people still have that tendency of leaving their homes open. We know you feel safe you know ? But don’t feel too confident. Put a little lock on the door when you’re going out. Do not leave it open to the criminals to easily walk into your homes and do what they want to do. If you put a lock it makes it more difficult for them to enter. When they try to break the lock the neighbor might hear and call the police. That helps to prevent the crime from occurring. Or the police may respond and catch the perpetrator in the act. Making sure that there are lights around your homes is important. You might say if I put a light at the back door it will burn my current and I will pay a little bit more. It is only going to be a little more. Your safety and security value more than what you’re going to pay for that extra light that you need to put in the back of your yard because you don’t know when you come home at night who might be behind your house waiting, monitoring what you do when you come home and wait for that opportunity to strike. And most importantly is to make sure that you live in peace with your neighbor. Communicate with your neighbor. When you leave somewhere, tell your neighbor you’re leaving. When you come tell your neighbor you’re back home. Creating that neighborhood watch group, creating that Whatsapp within the neighborhood is important.” 

During his trip to the south, the ComPol met with the Toledo Police Formation to discuss the department’s plans for the remainder of the year. He also met with Punta Gorda Town Mayor Carlos Galvez.