DESPITE making gains in curbing the crime monster for the first three months of this year, the security forces are sending a signal that they do not intend to rest on their laurels.

The police have reported that for the month of March murders have been the lowest for any month in the past nine years and significant reductions have been made in reducing shootings, robberies, break ins, larceny, rape and carnal abuse. In addition the cops report an increased seizure of firearms and ammunition while reporting that less persons have been cut down by their bullets between January 1 and March 31 when compared to the same period in 2011.

However Police Commissioner Owen Ellington, said during a press conference at his Old Hope Road office today that despite the gains, the crime situation in the country is still grave.

"We have been at pains to point out that the crime and security situation created by criminal gangs, organised crime and corrupt entities in Jamaica are undermining public confidence and investor confidence and are denying many Jamaicans the opportunity for gainful employment as businesses contract or those with capital are hesitant to make investments and so we have committed to reducing Jamaica's murder rate to 12 per 100,000 in the population by 2017," he said.

Ellington said the security forces are committed to restoring public and investor confidence with an aim to grow the economy to provide citizens with the means to create wealth to take care of their everyday needs.

Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserver

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver