The Manchester Police have indicated that while there has been an overall 32% decline in major crimes so far this year – one category, rape, is a cause for concern due to an increase in cases.

Acting Territorial Officer for the parish, Inspector Berthlyn Lloyd, gave the update at Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Manchester Municipal Corporation.

She reported that as of July 5, the parish recorded 100 major crimes, down from 147 over the same period last year.

She noted that rape cases have gone up to 8 compared to 6 last year.

Inspector Lloyd said the majority of the murders committed in the parish are not gang-related; they stem from interpersonal disputes.