The crime rate in the Northern Region has reduced from 2398 in 2013 to 1948 in 2014, a decrease of 450 representing 23%. Assault, stealing and threatening form the bulk of the cases reported during the year under review.
The region recorded 42 murder cases, followed by defilement-38, robbery 29 and rape 16 cases. The region also recorded 128 accident cases in 2014 which is the lowest since 2006. Two hundred and forty vehicles were involved in road crushes with 53 persons losing their lives and 132 persons sustaining various degrees of injury.
The Northern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Ken Yeboah disclosed this when he addressed the annual get-together of West African Security Service Activity (WASSA) in Tamale.
DCOP Ken Yeboah said, even though there were some criminal activities that occurred in the region, crime was not on the ascendancy in the region.
The commander therefore call for opening of more police stations in order made police presence felt in the communities.
He also call for the formation of watchdog communities in the neighborhoods to complement the effort of the police.
Police visibility and increase in patrol according to DCOP Yeboah averted some clashes in some communities which contributed to the reduction in crime by 23%.
But for the active role play by Regional, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Security Committees and some opinion leaders, DCOP Yeboah noted, the region would have recorded higher figures of deaths and destruction of properties.
The regional police commander lamented about the numerous chieftaincy disputes in the region saying it has a toll on the activities of the police.
The chiefs, he said are equipped to use the best and acceptable practices to select and enskin chiefs to avoid disputes and disturbances which will compel the security service to be deployed in such areas to ensure peace and stability.
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