Trinidad Crime Report: Week of January 28 - February 3, 2026 - 25 Incidents, 3 Murders, 10 Shootings

Executive Summary

Trinidad recorded 25 incidents during the week of January 28 – February 3, 2026, representing a significant 28.6% decrease from the previous week’s 35 incidents. However, this overall improvement masks a concerning spike in shooting incidents, which surged 233% compared to the prior week. Port of Spain emerged as the primary hotspot, accounting for nearly one-third of all weekly incidents and the majority of shooting-related violence.

Key Statistics

• Total Incidents: 25 (↓ 28.6% from last week)
• Murder: 3 incidents (↓ 40% from last week)
• Shooting: 10 incidents, 10 victims (↑ 233% from last week)
• Theft: 7 incidents (→ no change from last week)
• Home Invasion: 4 incidents (↓ 20% from last week)
• Total Victims: 28 across all tracked crime categories

Regional Breakdown

Port of Spain

Port of Spain dominated the week’s crime statistics with 8 total incidents and 11 victims. Shooting incidents were the primary concern, accounting for 3 of the 8 incidents and affecting 6 victims. The area also recorded multiple theft and robbery incidents, underscoring its status as the island’s most active crime zone.

San Fernando

San Fernando recorded 2 incidents with 2 victims. A sexual assault case on January 31 and a home invasion incident characterized the area’s crime activity this week, indicating a shift toward more serious violent offenses.

San Juan

Two incidents were reported in San Juan, including a burglary and a theft. Both incidents occurred on February 1-2, suggesting a brief spike in property crimes in this residential area.

Hermitage

Hermitage experienced 2 incidents, both shootings, affecting 2 victims. This area’s concentration on gun violence aligns with broader trends across the island.

Macoya

One theft incident was recorded in Macoya on February 3, representing minimal criminal activity in this area during the reporting period.

Crime Type Analysis

Shooting

Shooting incidents represent the week’s most alarming trend, with 10 incidents and 10 victims—a dramatic 233% increase from just 3 incidents the previous week. This sevenfold jump suggests escalating gang-related violence or organized criminal activity. Port of Spain and Hermitage accounted for 5 of these 10 shooting incidents, indicating geographic concentration of gun violence.

Theft

Theft remained stable at 7 incidents, matching the previous week’s count. These incidents were distributed across multiple areas including Port of Spain, San Juan, Siparia, Jerningham Junction, and Macoya, suggesting theft is a dispersed rather than localized problem.

Murder

Murder incidents decreased 40% this week, with 3 homicides compared to 5 the previous week. While this represents progress, the continued presence of lethal violence—particularly in conjunction with elevated shooting incidents—indicates ongoing serious criminal activity.

Home Invasion

Home invasion incidents declined 20%, from 5 to 4 incidents. San Fernando and other areas experienced these property crimes, though the decrease suggests improved residential security or reduced criminal targeting.

Trends and Insights

1. Shooting Epidemic: The 233% surge in shooting incidents is the week’s most critical development. This dramatic increase warrants immediate investigation into potential gang conflicts, territorial disputes, or organized crime escalation in Port of Spain and surrounding areas.

2. Violent Crime Concentration: Port of Spain accounts for 32% of all weekly incidents and 39% of all victims, establishing it as the clear priority zone for law enforcement resource deployment and community safety interventions.

3. Mixed Crime Reduction: While overall incidents decreased 28.6% and murders fell 40%, this positive trend is overshadowed by the shooting surge, suggesting that different crime categories are responding differently to enforcement efforts or environmental factors.

4. Property Crime Stability: Theft and burglary remain consistent problems with minimal week-to-week variation, indicating these crimes may require distinct prevention strategies focused on residential and commercial security rather than enforcement alone.

Safety Recommendations

• Residents in Port of Spain: Avoid high-traffic areas during evening hours, remain alert to surroundings, and report suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement.
• Property Protection: Invest in home security systems, reinforce entry points, and maintain awareness of neighborhood watch programs to counter persistent theft and burglary risks.
• Community Reporting: Provide anonymous tips to police regarding shooting incidents or gang activity; community intelligence is critical to addressing the current violence spike.
• Travel Precautions: Exercise heightened caution when traveling through Port of Spain and Hermitage, particularly after dark, given the concentration of shooting incidents.
• Business Security: Commercial establishments should review security protocols and ensure adequate lighting and surveillance in response to ongoing theft incidents.

Methodology Note

All data is sourced from verified media reports that may have been published by Trinidad Express, Guardian TT, Newsday, and CNC3 and reputable local Facebook Pages like Crime Watch between January 28 and February 3, 2026. Each incident has been cross-referenced with original source articles.

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