THERE has been a 10 per cent reduction in serious and violent crimes for the period January 1 to June 4 when compared to the same period last year, data from the Statistics and Information Management Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has shown.

The figures, released yesterday, show a marginal two per cent reduction in murders moving from 502 in 2015 to 492 in 2016. Meanwhile, there has been a 29 per cent reduction in rape cases, with the figure moving down from 289 in 2015 to 204 in 2016; and a 27 per cent reduction in aggravated assault, with the figures showing 74 fewer cases than than the 277 recorded in 2015.

However, the data also show a six per cent increase in shootings, moving up from 435 in 2015 to 461 in the current period.

According to the JCF, divisions in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine accounted for the greatest reduction in murders, 19 per cent overall, with the exception of the St Andrew Central Division that recorded a four per cent increase in murders or one more than the same period last year.

The St James Division, the parish that is arguably the centre of the country’s lottery scamming problem, continues to record a high rate of murder, with a total of 103 compared to 81 recorded for the same period last year, representing a 27 per cent increase. On the upside, all other categories of serious and violent crimes have seen a three per cent reduction in that parish.

Notably, robberies, break-ins and larceny all recorded significant double-digit reductions across all divisions when compared to the same period last year. Robberies are down by 30 per cent, break-ins have dipped by 38 per cent, and larceny down by 52 per cent, the police noted.

National Security Minister Robert Montague said the figures represent the “yeoman efforts” of the force in seeking to halt the surge in crime.

“I wish to offer the Administration’s full and heartiest congratulations to the commissioner of police, the high command, the officers, the rank and file of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the citizens, and civic organisations,” Montague told the Jamaica Observer.

“It is inescapable that the yeoman efforts of the force, with limited resources, has finally begun to bear fruits. All Jamaicans who invested in law and order, by giving up some civil liberties over the years, by co-operating and assisting the police are now [seeing] some returns,” he added.

Montague said, however, that it is early days and much more needs to be done.

“The commissioner and his team will now renew their efforts in making Jamaica the preferred place work, invest, live, and retire,” he said.