The party in a statement pledged that "justice and security will prevail".

The PPP said it is of the view that the present crime wave cannot be separated from the atmosphere created by the "vicious, malicious and often unjustified attacks" on the law enforcement agencies.

It noted that more recently there have been the shootings at the Vigilance, East Coast Demerara Police Station, the Georgetown Prisons and a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) patrol at Buxton.

The PPP also asserted that the "propaganda streaming from certain sections of the media has fuelled the nefarious actions of the criminals in relation to the law enforcement agencies and, indeed, peaceful and law-abiding citizens".

It also said that attacks against the administration for passing the Anti-Crime Bills are misplaced and instead should be "against the criminals and their political handlers".

"While we recognise that there are hurdles and shortcomings, our security forces must press ahead with dealing with the criminal and murderous elements (and) we urge our citizens to give all round support as they rise to the serious challenges, which crime and violence pose today," the PPP said.

The main partner in the governing PPP/Civic alliance also warned those in the Opposition who are trying to make mileage from the crime situation that they are being "shortsighted".

"We wish to remind them that such a stance can be construed as betrayal of our nation and security interests.

"Instead, we reiterate that we all should be involved in the anti-crime drive today and support those agencies, which are in the frontline of this battle. If not, we may all be consumed," the party said

The PPP also reiterated its earlier stated position that all of the political parties, social groups and Guyanese of all persuasion must support the fight against crime.

Now is not the time to score cheap political points, it said.