Police in Brong-Ahafo recorded a slight decrease in crime wave in 2016, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kwame Tachie-Poku, the Regional Police Commander has said.

He said the region recorded a total of 7,341 crime cases, last year as Stealing recorded the highest of 2,146 cases.

DCOP Tachie-Poku made this known during an end of year party of the West Africa Security Services Association (WASSA) in Sunyani.

He said though the police achieved some success in the fight against general crime.

DCOP Tachie-Poku expressed discomfort that murder cases jumped from 45 in 2015 to 52 last year, adding that rape cases also increased from 21 to 35 cases within the period.

He explained that the command had intensified night and visibility patrols on major streets and selected neighborhoods in the region to fight the menace.

Cases of narcotic drugs increased from 62 to 66, defilement declined from 90 to 82 cases, while fraud rose from 478 to 530 cases.

He commended the police personnel for their promptness to crime scenes and asked the general public to support the service in crime combat.

Mr Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister said the government recognised and appreciated the contributions of the security agencies towards successful Election 2016.

He advised the police personnel to exhibit high sense of professionalism in the course of their duties and urged them to help fight illegal mining and logging in the region.