Violence is increasing in Panama according to PM
(Panama Star) The Public Ministry’s latest statistics show an ever increasing crime rate
The reported number of robberies and homicides increased during to around 2,363 in 2008.
Armed robberies almost doubled to over 3000 in comparison with 2007 when 1527 felonies of this kind were reported.
The Forensic Medicine Institute director, Vicente Pachar, said that there was not doubt that the levels of violence are escalating in Panama.
Deaths caused by negligent driving were found to be the third cause of unlawful killings in Panama with some 136 cases being reported.
However, although the overall scene is gloomy, certain felonies such as the corruption of minors went down from 109 cases in 2007 to 46 in 2008.
Also last year there were 209 rapes.
There were also 13 reported kidnappings, a crime that was fairly rare in Panama until a few years ago with the advent of “express kidnappings.”
The Auxiliary Prosecutor, Luis Martínez said that it is imperative to find the adequate mechanisms to prevent and fight crime and catch the criminals to stop the violence.
