Increase in criminal activities in Haiti

A new study has found that there has been a significant increase in criminal activities in Haiti, which is still recovering from a powerful earthquake more than two years ago.

The report titled “Haiti’s Urban Crime Wave?” warns also that the country is entering a period of political turmoil that could thwart the reconstruction efforts.

The study  indicated that while the homicide rate in the capital is lower than that of some other Caribbean cities, the 60.9 murders per 100,000 residents over the year leading up to February 2012, is the highest recorded murder rate since 2006.

Most of the murders occur in densely populated areas such Cap-Haitien, Les Cayes, Gonaives where there are high levels of social marginalisation and poverty.

The study also noted that for the first time since 2007 confidence in the Haitian National Police force has plunged among city dwellers, which is in contrast to the faith that was found in the force in the aftermath of the earthquake.