2025 Crime Stats Released, Burglaries Still Lead

The Belize Police Department has released its 2025 crime statistics, but the usual CompStat media briefing was not held this year.

The CompStat report shows major crimes dipped by about 1%. It fell from 1,098 cases to 1,086. Murders, burglaries, theft, and unlawful sexual intercourse all recorded small declines.

Burglaries remain the most common crime, with 597 cases reported. Road fatalities also dropped significantly, from 126 to 94.

CompStat presentations are typically used to outline crime trends, review police performance, and explain enforcement strategies. They are normally followed by questions from the media. This year, the figures were released without that engagement.

Earlier this month, Police Commissioner Dr Richard Rosado previously rejected claims that he has distanced himself from the media. This became pronounced after he was noticed missing in action at other events.

Rosado had also previously described CompStat as an important accountability tool that “reinforces accountability, enables data-driven planning and evaluation and management of operational strategies as police officers.”

Recently appointed Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira took the opportunity to defend the police performance. He said, “Hard work, dedication by the police department and those investigators have resulted in positive arrests and charges. And that is something I think that we have to ensure that the public understands: we have the capacity, and we are working hard to solve those issues.”

The Police Department is expected to host its first-quarter CompStat briefing. The media is calling for its usual inclusion in line with public expectations of transparency and accountability.