Crime in Antigua and Barbuda

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) is the nationwide police service for Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. You can report a crime or make a complaint at any police station, regardless of where you live or where the incident occurred. For an emergency, call 911 or 999; the headquarters on American Road in St. John's can be reached at 462-0125, the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or 462-3914, and the Barbuda station at 727-0042. Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous information at 800-TIPS (8477), and the operator states that callers do not have to provide their name or IP address. The Office of Professional Standards handles complaints about police conduct, while the Police Service Commission can be reached at 462-2570. Available 2024 indicators recorded 12 intentional homicides, a rate of 12.77 per 100,000 inhabitants, 2 attempted intentional homicides, 17 serious assaults, 140 robberies, 69 sexual-violence offences, 22 rapes and 30 sexual assaults. Firearms were recorded in 6 of the 12 homicides and sharp objects in 5. Nine homicide victims were aged 15 to 24, and 11 were citizens of Antigua and Barbuda. These figures cover only available police indicators; missing offence fields and the absence of a victimisation survey mean they do not establish the full prevalence of crime. Everyday risks include opportunity theft, pickpocketing, purse snatching, burglary and break-ins of vehicles. Risk can increase around festivals, street or beach parties and crowded places. Secure doors and windows, control keys, avoid making an empty property visible, record valuable items and serial numbers, lock vehicles and leave no valuables inside. At night, avoid isolated routes and beaches, use licensed taxis, carry little cash or jewellery, and choose secure accommodation or yacht facilities. When someone threatens a robbery, calm cooperation is safer than chasing the offender. On the water, keep distance from unknown boats or people and report suspicious activity to the police. Serious violence includes murder, armed robbery, shootings and sexual assault. Drug possession, use and trafficking can lead to severe penalties. Firearms and ammunition require prior express government approval. Human trafficking may involve sexual or labour exploitation and can affect local or foreign victims, including migrant, minority and LGBTQI+ groups. The latest located 2024 trafficking report placed Antigua and Barbuda in Tier 2: authorities investigated 25 cases involving 26 suspects, began no new prosecution and recorded no conviction; 26 potential victims were later not confirmed. No confirmed victim identification had been reported since 2019, which indicates limits in detection and investigative capacity. The RPFAB assigns specialised matters to several units. The General Criminal Investigations Department handles break-ins, damage, fraud, theft and wounding; the Special Victims Unit handles sexual offences with Gender Affairs and Family Service; and the Serious Crimes Unit handles homicide and major crime. Other units cover proceeds of crime, forensic evidence and recovery, narcotics and criminal records. The Youth Intervention Unit works with at-risk young people and those in contact with the justice system. The Interpol National Central Bureau handles matters such as cybercrime, drug crime, fugitives, stolen travel documents and trafficking. For gender-based violence or sexual violence, the Directorate of Gender Affairs and its Support and Referral Centre (SARC) provide a one-stop service with medical intervention, psychosocial support, legal advice, intake, safety planning, advocacy, referrals and sexual-assault evidence examinations. The 24-hour crisis hotline is 463-5555 and WhatsApp support is available at 734-4555; EMS at 991 can connect a caller to the hotline without charge. Emergency shelter can last up to 48 hours, with help to find longer-term accommodation. SARC is primarily designed for adults aged 18 and over and provides child-friendly spaces or referrals for affected or witnessing children. The Legal Aid and Advice Centre can be reached at 562-4933. Digital crime includes account compromise, top-up scams and impersonation of banks, FLOW, DIGICEL or APUA through text messages, email, telephone calls or fake links. Do not share passwords, one-time codes or security answers, and contact the bank or telecommunications provider through a number you found independently. If you clicked a suspicious link or disclosed information, notify the bank immediately, secure the device and change affected credentials. The Cyber Lab lists 562-7647 and 562-7661; the Ministry also lists a Regional Cyber Crime Unit. A 2026 Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill is recorded as a bill, so its enactment and legal effect cannot be assumed. Children and young people can contact the Youth Intervention Unit at 562-8417 or the Minor Office at 460-6556. In 2024, police and justice records counted 656 formal contacts involving young people and adults together, including 42 juveniles. The YCM Chatline was announced in 2026 as free, anonymous, real-time psychosocial support with child-protection referrals, but its access channel and number require current verification. Trafficking cases involve the Trafficking in Persons Prevention Committee and Prevention Unit under the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act 2010. A case task force brings together police, the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy, Immigration, Family and Social Services and other bodies. Victim participation in an investigation or prosecution is voluntary and is not a condition for receiving services. Depending on a risk assessment, assistance may include accommodation, transport, immigration or work support, healthcare, repatriation and legal assistance. Restitution or compensation is legally possible, but the latest report recorded no payment because there had been no conviction.