THE police have reported an 18 per cent islandwide reduction in crime for the month of May, with the blotters showing 32 fewer murders, 10 fewer cases of carnal abuse, and 80 fewer robberies compared with the similar period last year.

Yesterday, Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Intelligence, Charles Scarlett, said the decrease, which the police are hoping to maintain, was due to a combination of factors, including a “focused approached and maintaining our presence in hot spots”.

In the Kingston Eastern Division, for example, there were four murders in May this year, down from nine for the same period last year. In St Andrew South, however, the number of murders increased from 10 in May 2006, to 18 for the corresponding period this year. The number of rapes also increased from 60 in May 2006 to 65.

Clarendon saw a 50 per cent drop in crime, while St James experienced a 52 per cent increase.

Yesterday, Scarlett said dips and peaks were expected in criminal activity, but the police would continue successful crime fighting strategies, and would continue to “rely on intelligent policing and public support”.

Of the 586 crimes reported for May, 144 have been cleared up. A total of 715 crimes were reported in May 2006, and of that number, 197 were cleared up.