St Catherine North police raise alarm over increase in sexual offences against children

Law enforcement officials in the St Catherine North Police Division are expressing concern over an increase in sexual offences involving children, with senior officers warning that many of the perpetrators are known to the victims.

Commander of the division, Senior Superintendent Hopeton Nicholson, speaking with reporters on Wednesday, said the situation has become particularly troubling due to the accused men's profile.

“It is a major concern for us,” Nicholson said.

“Many of the perpetrators are adult males—men who could easily be the victims’ fathers or even grandfathers.”

The senior officer revealed that since the start of the year, 12 cases of sexual offences involving children have been reported within the division, compared to eight during the same period last year.

Despite the increase, Nicholson noted that investigators have maintained a high clearance rate, nearing 100 per cent.

He warned parents and guardians to be vigilant about who they entrust with their children, especially when it comes to transportation arrangements.

“I want to implore parents to be very careful who they ask to transport their children. We have had victims as young as eight years old, with alleged perpetrators in their fifties and sixties,” he said.

Nicholson also addressed the division’s performance in tackling serious crimes, noting that last year St Catherine North recorded a 66 per cent clearance rate for murders—meaning two out of every three homicide cases were solved.

The issue of sexual violence against minors remains a broader national concern.

Police data indicate that between January 1, 2023, and May 12, 2025, there were 3,014 reported sexual offences involving 2,154 children across the country.

Authorities are continuing to urge communities to report suspected abuse and to work closely with law enforcement to protect vulnerable children.

- Rasbert Turner

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