OCHO RIOS, St Ann — There has been a major drop in violent crimes in St Ann, according to the superintendent in charge of the parish’s police division, Dwight Powell.

“We are experiencing significant decrease in terms of violent crimes — a 46 per cent reduction when compared to last year,” he told Thursday’s monthly meeting of the parish’s municipal corporation.

Councillors, clearly pleased with the news, applauded the senior officer and commended his policing efforts.

Councillor Michael Belnavis (Jamaica Labour Party, Ocho Rios Division), who described the sharp drop as a “big deal”, also lauded Powell and his team.

St Ann recorded 67 murders in 2022, 12 more than the year before, but during January’s sitting of the local authority, Powell had expressed confidence that there would be a reduction in crimes this year.

The numbers are holding so far.

As of February 8, 2023 there were no recorded cases of rape, in comparison to six for the same period last year. Three robberies were recorded this year, eight less than last year. Break-ins have also decreased significantly with the parish recording nine since the start of the year versus 15 last year.

“Last year we were having significant challenges with break-ins and robberies and I’m pleased to inform that we have made progress. This is not progress by chance. It is careful analysis and deployment in areas of concern,” said Powell

In contrast to the areas of decline, there is a slight uptick in shooting-related incidents. There have been four so far this year, compared to three last year. Meanwhile, there have been eight murders, the same as last year.

“Since the start of February we have seen some four murders, with the most recent being the taxi driver in Great Pond and one in Steer Town. And, of course, we continue to work on finding the perpetrators in the Steer Town incident. As it relates to crime management, we will do what is necessary to ensure that St Ann remains a safe place,” vowed Powell.

Councillor Ian Bell (People’s National Party, Beecher Town Division) was quick to attest that lawmen have indeed been making strides in ensuring the safety of citizens within the parish.

“We had a shooting in Parry Town and, with help of residents, the police were able to apprehend the major suspect. For that I’m very happy that the police were able to act swiftly and I’m pleased with the work being done in the parish,” he told the meeting.

“I hope that next month I will also be able to give good news, in terms of reduction,” Powell told the meeting.