Over 900 people have been killed in the country since the start of the year.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 909 murders were recorded up to yesterday (August 8).

This is 29 more than the 880 recorded in the corresponding period, last year.

The St. James Police Division recorded the highest number of murders, with 126, followed by St. Catherine North, with 89.

Portland recorded the lowest number of cases with 8.

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

Robberies increased by 59, from 496 to 555, while break-ins went up by 20, from 579 to 599.

There was a decline in reported cases of rape, which went down by 57, from 305, to 248.