Murder toll now 649, major crimes still down

With just nine days remaining in 2025, Jamaica has recorded a significant reduction in murders and other major crimes, according to the latest police crime statistics.

The latest numbers were published by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) this morning.

As at December 20, Jamaica’s murder toll stood at 649, representing a 43 per cent reduction when compared with the corresponding period last year.

Around this time last year, 1,136 people were killed.

Last week, the country was rocked by a domestic triple murder in Rocky Point, Clarendon, after a man chopped three members of his family in an area called Frazersfield.

The incident is currently under investigation.

The decline in murders, however, continues a trend that law enforcement officials and policymakers have credited to intensified policing strategies, targeted operations, and increased intelligence-driven interventions.

As at December 20, five of the 19 police divisions have recorded 50 or more murders.

These include St Andrew South 74, St Catherine North 63, St Ann 60, St James 52, and St Catherine South 50.

Also of note, 17 of the 19 divisions recorded a reduction in murders year on year.

Only St Thomas and St Ann are showing year-on-year increases in homicides.

Data from the JCF also show that most major crime categories are down.

Murders, shootings, cases of injured persons and reported incidents of rape have all recorded decreases year-on-year.

However, the crime update indicates that robberies and break-ins remain areas of concern, as these are the only major crime categories showing eight and 19 per cent increases, respectively, for the period under review.

Police sources note that these offences continue to impact residential communities and commercial areas, particularly during the traditionally busy holiday season.

The JCF has maintained a heightened security posture across several divisions, including increased patrols, curfews in crime-prone communities, and ongoing operations targeting known offenders.

Senior police officials have repeatedly urged citizens to remain vigilant, secure their homes and businesses, and cooperate with law enforcement as the year draws to a close.

- Andre Williams

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