The number of people murdered in the country since the start of the year is nearing 1,400.

According to the latest crime data released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 1,380 murders were recorded up to Wednesday, 64 more than the 1,316 recorded in the corresponding period, last year.

The St. James police division recorded the highest number of murders with 188, followed by Westmoreland with 131.

There were also increases in cases of robbery and break-ins.

Robberies went up by 128 from 687, to 815, while break-ins increased by 59, from 824, to 883.

Meantime, there was a decline in reported cases of rape.