Murder tally surpasses 600 mark

Murders in Jamaica have passed the 600-mark, even as crime statistics show that homicides are down 42 per cent when compared to last year.

According to the latest data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), as of November 22, the country recorded 604 murders.

This is 437 fewer than the 1,041 persons killed during the period under review last year.

Last week, 13 murders were recorded.

The St Andrew South Police Division, with 70 homicides to date, leads the country in murders.

The division is followed by St Catherine North 57, St Ann 54, St James 49, and St Catherine South 48, rounding out the top five most murderous police divisions so far this year.

Across all 19 police divisions, murders are on the decline in 17 divisions year-on-year.

Shootings, injured persons and rape have declined.

Robberies and break-ins continue to show a steady increase when compared to last year, with nine and 20 per cent respectively.

- Andre Williams

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