Cops reveal big dip in gang-related murders

The police are chipping away at gangs and their murderous activities with more alleged gangsters set to face the courts.

That declaration came from Jamaica's top cop Major General Antony Anderson who said that strategies to counteract gangs are bearing success.

Speaking during virtual press conference yesterday, the police commissioner shared data showing that 67 per cent of Jamaica's murders are gang-related. This is down from a realm of around 80 per cent. Praising the members of the police force, Anderson said that strong action against gangs is working.

"We're actually starting to see the impact of our efforts to dismantle and disrupt criminal activities," he said.

He pointed to the conviction of Clansman-One Don Gang leader Andre 'Blackman' Bryan and 14 other gang members in the Home Circuit Court. Bryan was found guilty of being a leader of a criminal organisation while the other gangsters were found guilty of being members of the St Catherine-based gang.

Some of the gangsters were also found guilty of facilitating the commission of murder and arson as well as possession of firearm and ammunition. They are awaiting sentencing.

"We also have two more gangs, with some of the members in custody -- these tend to be dangerous people -- before the courts. And then we have two others where the investigations are processing well, some people are already in custody. So I think that concerted effort by our investigators, by our gang unit and the team that deals with that is reaping results," said Anderson.

"Along with that, there are specific operations in keeping with our operational plans that allow us to target gangs and their activities. So I think we are starting to see the impacts of all of these efforts on that group that really create the most violence in our society," he added.

Sharing more on the country's current crime statistics, Anderson said at the half-year mark at the end of June, major crimes were down 16 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year. He did not provide figures. Shootings are down 12 per cent, rape is down 25 per cent, and robberies declined by 23 per cent. Break-ins are also down 12 per cent.

More than 300 firearms have been seized with 556 persons being arrested and charged for firearm crimes. - J.R.