Crime dips dramatically in June

CRIME has dipped dramatically in June according to a release from the Police High Command today.

The release pointed to dramatic declines in murder, shooting, rape, carnal abuse, robbery, break-ins, and larceny last month when compared to the same period last year.

"Overall, there was a 21 per cent decline in major crimes for the period under review, 964 in June 2009 compared to 758 in June 2010 – a difference of 206," the release stated.

The statistics showed an 18 per cent decrease in major crimes — from 930 in May to 758 in June.

Police Commissioner Owen Ellington, in a separate release said steadfast policing coupled with the State of Emergency were responsible for the downward trend. He said a coordinated approach to fighting crime must continue if the current trend is to continue.

"The police are attributing the decreases in the crime figures for June to co-ordinated counter gang activities supported by emergency powers granted under the State of Emergency which started in Kingston and St Andrew on Sunday, May 23 and which was later extended to include sections of St Catherine,” he said

The number of recorded murders decreased by 29, moving down from 120 in June 2009 to 91 in 2010. This represents a 24 per cent decrease.

There were 87 less murders in June when compared with May, a decrease of 49 per cent.  

Shootings have also declined from 140 in June last year to 92 in June 2010, a 34 per cent dip.

The usually volatile police divisions of Kingston Western; St Andrew North; St Catherine North; St Catherine South; St James and Clarendon all recorded decreases murders in June this year.

St James recorded nine less murders in June 2010, moving from 19 in 2009 to 10, a 47 per cent drop, while Clarendon recorded two less murders moving from 16 in 2009 to 14 this year.

Despite the encouraging figures, Ellington said the police were not about to let up.

“The downward trend though encouraging, leaves no room for complacency and so the security forces will be continuing their anti-crime operations islandwide in a resolute and coordinated manner," he said.