Police Say Crime Falling in Bella Vista After Increased Patrols

Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith says police have recorded a reduction in crime in Bella Vista Village, Toledo District, following increased patrols and a stronger police presence in the growing community.  Smith reported that officers have been maintaining regular operations in and around Bella Vista, an area that has faced public concern following several serious incidents over the past two years. He says the department’s approach has focused on visibility, intelligence gathering and responding quickly to reports from residents.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent: “Since last year the Bella Vista area became an area of interest. We know there were several incidents and as I indicated then they were suggested to be field by the sale of drugs. Strategic changes, administrative changes were deployed and though what is often reported is solely when persons are arrested I can also confirm that even on that day a number of major seizures were made of found property but I don’t normally report on found property. So the operations in that area continue. As we continue to say the sale of drugs certainly caused a rift in society on different levels and as a department we are cognizant of that and we continue to employ all the tools that we have be it technology, be it intelligence, or good old fashion policing to interdict these traffickers and to bring a level of peace to these beautiful villages.”

The village has, however, seen a number of incidents in recent months. The most recent reported matter was a loitering charge brought against a man in early July after police said he refused to leave an area when instructed. In December 2025, 25-year-old Archibald Ferrell was fatally shot in Bella Vista on Christmas morning. Police later announced that a suspect had been charged in connection with that killing.  In January 2024, Belizean American Christon Logan was killed in Bella Vista following an altercation, a case that later resulted in a manslaughter conviction.  It is to be noted that in September 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a police sub-formation in Bella Vista, with plans for a permanent police facility. /