The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service says there were 253 traffic collisions – more than seven a day – during its month-long Winter Guardian road-safety campaign, which ended last week.
Police, in a press release detailing a roundup of the operation, which ran from 1 Dec. to 2 Jan., noted that officers had made 35 arrests for DUI and recorded more than 180 speeding offences during that time.
There was one fatal accident among the 253 collisions in December, bringing the total number of fatalities on Cayman’s roads in 2022 to 15.
This year’s operation also focused on combatting the growing number of armed robberies on island. Between August and mid-December, there had been 32 armed robberies reported on Grand Cayman.
In response to this, police increased high-visibility mobile and foot patrols in both commercial and residential areas, and armed officers were often present at vehicle checkpoints across the island.
Since the start of the operation, police arrested and charged six people offences such as firearms, drugs and robbery, and executed five search warrants at home addresses in relation to the spate of robberies and other firearm-related crimes.
Police said there has been no reports of robbery on Grand Cayman since 14 Dec.
The RCIPS said there had also been six other searches in relation to drugs and other criminal activities. One firearm was recovered, along with several rounds of ammunition, as well as several vehicles, clothing and masks recovered for forensic examination.
According to the press release, there were also a number of serious assaults during December, and several arrests were made in relation to these, with one man being charged with attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The RCIPS said a number of its administrative offices were closed down to boost the number of police officers taking part in the Winter Guardian operation.
“Our officers were committed to keeping the public safe and providing the reassurance they needed to go about their holidays without fear,” Deputy Commissioner Kurt Walton said in the release.
“I want to thank all our officers who sacrifice their holidays, a time of family and celebration, to keep us safe every year, and thank the community for their continued support. On behalf of the Senior Command Team with the RCIPS we wish everyone a Happy New Year ahead.”
Related Videos
