Murders down in 12 police divisions

Twelve police divisions reported fewer killings between January 1 and June 16 this year, when compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Serious Crime Report by the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

The parish of Trelawny saw the largest decrease with a whopping 57.9 per cent decrease.

The parish reported eight murders over the near six-month period, compared with 19 for the corresponding period last year.

St Elizabeth was next with a 52 per cent decrease, followed by St Mary (38 per cent); St Andrew Central (37.5 per cent) and St Catherine North (37 per cent).

St James led the nation with 91 murders, but still saw a 16 per cent decrease.

St Ann recorded the biggest increase in killings, moving from 21 over the corresponding period last year to 36 this year, for a 71 per cent jump.

The 52 murders recorded in Clarendon is the second highest in the nation and represents a 52.9 per cent increase year-on-year.

Overall, Jamaica recorded 689 murders over the near six-month period, a 13 per cent decline year-on-year, according to the police data.

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