By Marlene Freeman

436 people were murdered as at Saturday, August 23.

This represents a 43% decline in murders compared to the same period last year.

According to the latest crime data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, this is 329 fewer than the 765 recorded in the corresponding period.

The St. Andrew South Police Division had the highest number of murders with 52, followed by St. Catherine South and St Ann, both with 38.

Portland had the least with 8, followed by Trelawny with 9.

The Constabulary is also reporting that rape cases declined by 69.

Meanwhile, robberies went up by 46 and break-ins increased by 159.