Police in Tobago are expressing concern over a rise in murders and home invasions across the island.
Speaking during the weekly Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Media Briefing on Wednesday, Divisional Commander for the Tobago Police Division, Senior Superintendent Rodhill Kirk, said law enforcement is intensifying its efforts to address the troubling trend, with increased measures aimed at improving public safety and curbing criminal activity.
“In terms of our murders within the Division, we have seen an increase for the corresponding period, which last year we had four murders, and this year we stand at seven. We are pleased to also report that three of those murders were detected, and when looking at the probable cause, two of those murders were gang-related, two were a result of revenge, one domestic and two we haven’t classified that three of those murders were detected and when looking at the probable cause.”
Senior Superintendent Kirk revealed an increase in serious crimes between January and July 2026, which he attributed largely to an uptick in break-ins, which rose from 480 to 487 incidents over the period. Of those reported cases, commercial break-ins accounted for 30%, while residential break-ins made up the remaining 70%.
In response, the Tobago Division recently launched Active Directive Patrols, operating 24 hours per day.
“Looking at the results of our operations throughout the period, we have implemented 743 operations. We had 4,849 street checks, a total of 209 persons arrested for serious crimes, 95 of those arrests are for narcotic offences, the others are for various types of offences, including break-ins, robberies, home invasions.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police for the Tobago West Division, Mahalia Bacchus, emphasised that focus will be placed on enhancing officer training to boost overall competency in the fight against crime.
“The Division is committed to improving public order and the quality of life through consistent enforcement of traffic laws and minor offences, including activities such as illegal vending and littering and the obstruction of our public streets and pavements.”
ASP Bacchus is calling on Tobagonians to support police in their crime reduction operations, noting that while officers are working to make Tobago a safer island, greater compliance from residents is essential.