KIGALI - The latest police report on committed crimes, has singled out drug abuse as the most prevalent crime in the country.

However, Acting Commissioner General of Police, Mary Gahonzire said during a press conference that the general crime trend was on the decline.

Statistics released after every two months have seen drug abuse once again registering more reported cases, as compared to other crimes recorded by Police.

According to the report, 671 cases of drug abuse were recorded compared and tops other crimes that include robbery, assault, defilement and forgery.

Robbery cases dropped by 38 percent in the first half of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.

"There has been an increase in certain crimes but put in a general perspective, overall crime rates have decreased dramatically when compared to how things were in the previous months,” Gahonzire said.

The decline has been attributed to the force’s emphasis on community policing.

The police also announced a new campaign, in which they will partner with the general public in curbing crime, which will involve making reports on police misconduct, to designated areas.

Ends