Cape Coast, Dec. 6, GNA- The Central Regional Police Command recorded a total of 21,808 criminal cases last year, as against 17,480 the previous year indicating an increase of 4,328 cases. ASP Appiah Kusi, Acting regional crime officer told the GNA at Cape Coast on Thursday that the rise in crimes is attributed to the increasing cases of robbery, stealing, defilement and assault, especially in Agona-Swedru and Kasoa districts.

He said 3,281 people were arrested and sent to court, with 997 of them being convicted, while 2,133 are still awaiting trial. According to him assault cases topped the list with 8,091 cases followed by stealing 4,856, offensive conduct, 1,150 and neglect of parental responsibility 1,115.

The Acting regional crime officer said a total of 671 cases of causing unlawful damage was also recorded, and that 235 defilement cases was also recorded.

Robbery recorded 102 cases, murder 51, possessing narcotic drugs 40, abortion 30 and rape, 27 cases.

On motor accidents, he said a total of 1,049 cases involving 1,382 vehicles were reported last year, in which 213 people lost their lives and 1,328 sustained injuries.

He said 197 of the cases were sent to court and 67 of the accused, convicted, and that fines totalling 200 million was also imposed on culprits. Touching on the cases recorded this year, ASP Kusi said by the end of September, a total of 14,962 criminal cases have been recorded, and that 1,482 of the suspects have been put before court with 612 convicted, while 831 are awaiting trial, with 11,788 still under investigations.

He said those recorded are 5,011 assault cases, stealing, 3,538, offensive conduct 850, neglect of parental responsibility 811, causing unlawful damage, 483, defilement 150, robbery, 90, rape 39, abortions 29, and 25 each of murder and possession of narcotic drugs cases. With regard to road accidents, he said a total of 610 motor accidents have so far been recorded in which 109 people lost their lives and 924 injured and involving 857 vehicles.

He said 28 of the 44 drivers sent to court have been convicted, with fines totaling GH=A2 813.70, while a total fine of GH A2 331.5 was imposed on 233 of the 264 drivers arraigned for 337 traffic offences.