Police: 24% jump in murders since start of year
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Police High Command is reporting that, since the start of the year, there has been an increase in the number of murders across the island, with a slight decrease in serious crimes.
The latest crime statistics released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit show that between January 1 and October 24, 1,016 Jamaicans have been murdered compared to 822 for the corresponding period last year. This is an increase of 24 per cent.
In the meantime, statistics show that shooting decreased by one per cent with 898 reported cases for 2015 when compared to 906 for 2014. At the same time, the number of reported cases of rape for 2015 went down by 20 per cent with 460 reported cases compared to 576 for 2014. While aggravated assault dipped by 16 per cent with 490 reported cases when compared to 586 for the corresponding period in 2014.
The statistics show an overall decline in serious crimes by one per cent.
Meanwhile, the St James Police Division recorded the highest increase in murders so far with 178 reported cases when compared to 122 for 2014 — an increase of 48 per cent. The St Catherine North and Clarendon police divisions registered the second highest reported cases of murders with 108 reported cases for both divisions when compared to 111 and 73, respectively, for the corresponding periods last year. The St Catherine North Division, however, recorded a three per cent decrease in murders.
The Westmoreland Division registered the highest percentage increase overall moving from 36 murders last year to 84, an increase of 133 per cent.
At the same time, Portland is Jamaica’s safest parish with eight recorded murders when compared to six last year, reflecting an increase of 33 per cent.
See murder statistics by divisions below.