Jamaica has recorded 173 murders since the start of the year.

Statistics from the police indicate that as at March 2, there have been 30 fewer murders recorded than in the corresponding period last year. That’s a reduction of 14.8%.

There were also reductions in cases of rape, robberies, and break ins.

Cases of rape declined by 31, from 81 to 50.

Robberies declined by 16, from 123 to 107, while break-ins went down by 29, from 160 to 131.

On the other hand, shootings increased by 12, gone up from 155 to 167.