More than 80 people have been murdered in the country since the start of the year.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 82 murders were recorded up to Saturday, February 8 – 18 fewer than the 100 recorded for the corresponding period last year.

The St. Andrew South Division had the highest number of murders, with 16, followed by St. Catherine South, with 12.

Two police divisions have not recorded a murder.

They are Trelawny and Manchester.

The JCF is also reporting a decline in cases of rape, robberies and break-ins.

Rapes declined from 67 to 15, robberies went down from 72 to 67, while break-ins decreased from 103 to 97.