Murders down

A majority of the 19 police divisions that cover Jamaica have recorded declines in murders nearing the halfway point in the year.

Twelve police divisions reported fewer killings between January 1 and June 16 this year, topped by a 57.9 per cent decrease in Trelawny, according to the latest Serious Crime Report published by the police.

Eight murders were reported in Trelawny over the near six-month period, compared with 19 for the corresponding period last year.

St Elizabeth was next with a 52 per cent decrease, followed by St Mary (38 per cent); St Andrew Central (37.5 per cent) and St Catherine North (37 per cent).

St James led the nation with 91 murders but still saw a 16 per cent decrease.

St Ann recorded the biggest increase in killings, moving from 21 over the corresponding period last year to 36 this year, for a 71 per cent jump.

The 52 murders recorded in Clarendon make the parish the second highest in the nation and represents a 52.9 per cent increase year-on-year.

Overall, Jamaica recorded 597 murders over the near six-month period, a 13 per cent decline year-on-year, according to the police data.

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