Community and Society
Police Outline 2026 Plan After Crime Drop in San Pedro & Caye Caulker
The Division 4 Police Departments, which oversee San Pedro and Caye Caulker, have outlined their first-quarter strategy for 2026, building on a reported ten percent reduction in major crimes in 2025, making Division 4 one of the few jurisdictions nationwide to see an overall decline. The strategy aligns with the national Crime Control and Prevention Strategy 2025–2029. Police priorities for the first quarter include maintaining tourist safety, addressing petty theft, gang activity, drug-related offenses, and traffic violations, while expanding community outreach initiatives.
Police News
Caye Caulker Man Charged After Canadian National Injured
Residents in Caye Caulker are questioning the arrest and charges brought against 19-year-old Nelbert Choc Jr. following an incident in which a 47-year-old Canadian national, Charles Sanford, was injured. Sanford was transported to Belize City, where he is listed in critical but stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
Police News
Two Charged with Attempted Murder Following Brutal Attack on Businessman
Following investigations into an attempted murder and robbery that occurred on December 17th along Laguna Drive in San Pedro Town, police have arrested and charged island residents Charles Gabriel Sho and Thomas Alfonso Arriola with the crime of Attempted Murder.
Police News
Police Investigate Armed Robbery and Arson at Crown Game Shop
A Chinese businessman was hospitalized following a suspected robbery and arson at the Crown Game Shop on Laguna Drive in San Pedro Town on Wednesday night, December 17th. Police reported receiving information at approximately 10:07PM about a robbery at the Crown Game Shop in the Boca del Rio area.
Crime & Violence
Major Crimes Up, Domestic Violence Down in Belize’s Third Quarter Report
From July to September 2025, Belize recorded an increase in major crimes and murders, while domestic violence reports showed a notable decline. The Belize Crime Observatory’s latest third-quarter report revealed that the Belize Police Department documented a total of 300 major crimes during this period, 28 more than the same quarter in 2024. These included 21 murders, 14 rapes, 53 robberies, and 167 burglaries. In contrast, domestic violence reports dropped by 16 cases to 333.
Community and Society
San Pedro Police Boost Patrols to Prevent Crime Spillover from Belize City
The San Pedro Police Department is stepping up efforts to prevent the recent spike in crime in Belize City from reaching the island. Authorities are implementing proactive strategies and collaborating with other security forces to ensure the continued safety of residents and visitors.
Government
Belize launches Online Criminal Records Registry to streamline applications
The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries has launched an online system for applying for criminal records, officially called the Criminal Records Registry (CRR). The platform, accessible at crr.gov.bz, marks a significant shift in public service delivery, offering faster and easier access to this essential document.
Accidents & Disasters
American tourist dies while jet skiing near Secret Beach
The San Pedro Police Department is investigating the sudden death of an American tourist on Friday, September 26th, while he was riding a jet ski near Secret Beach. The deceased has been identified as 58-year-old Daryl La Mont McCray. Reports indicate that McCray had gone jet skiing with friends when he was later found floating in the water. Despite immediate assistance and being rushed to a medical facility, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Crime & Violence
Commissioner Rosado Placed on Leave Pending Full Budna Investigation
On Monday, September 8, 2025, Belize’s Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, was placed on a 45-day leave amid the controversy surrounding the Joseph Budna kidnapping case. The move, unprecedented in Belize’s history, followed Prime Minister John Briceño’s review of an initial investigative report that he deemed “incomplete and unsatisfactory.” The decision has sparked a strong national reaction.
Crime & Violence
Two Minors Charged for Attempted Robbery at Publics Supermarket in San Pedro
A 57-year-old security guard from San Pedro Town continues to recover after being shot during an attempted armed robbery at Publics Supermarket. Police have since charged two minors in connection with the incident, which occurred on September 5 at the store on Coconut Drive.
Police News
Promotions and upgrades announced for Police Formations across the country
After a nationwide tour of police formations, the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, Honorable Kareem Musa, has announced several changes and upgrades for the Belize Police Department. These include officer promotions, land access, duty-free grocery purchases, and the construction of new police stations in Corozal and Orange Walk, along with a new police headquarters in Belmopan.
