Firearm-linked robberies fuel crime shift

Robberies are emerging as one of Barbados’ most pressing crime concerns, with new data showing they account for an increasingly large share of major offences.

Senior Research Analyst with the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit (CJRPU) Kirt Goodridge said the trend was particularly worrying because of the increase in firearm-related robberies, even as overall crime levels remained relatively stable.

Speaking during Tuesday’s online programme, IN FOCUS | Crime Trends 2026: Tracking Criminal Activity & Justice Issues in Barbados, Goodridge said 490 major crimes were recorded across the first three quarters of the year, with quarterly figures showing little variation.