Murders drop by more than 100

The number of murders committed between January 1 and July 29 has dipped by 105 when compared with the corresponding period last year.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force's recently updated serious crimes report, 786 murders were recorded on the island as of last Saturday. The figure is 11 per cent less than the 891 recorded up to July 29 last year.

Of the 19 police divisions across the island, only Hanover (77.3 per cent), St Ann (40 per cent), Portland (12.5 per cent), Clarendon (17.3 per cent) and Kingston Western (16.3 per cent) have recorded increases in murder.

Trelawny (60 per cent) St Andrew Central (45.8 per cent) and St Thomas (39.3 per cent) experienced the biggest drop.

There has been a nine per cent decline in shooting, with 618 cases being recorded by the police. A total of 560 persons were injured in gun attacks over the period compared to 651 in 2022.

Other major crimes showing decline are rape, down 25 per cent, robbery down 22 per cent and break-ins down 12.5 per cent.