By: Sugar Ray Thomas

Murders have declined by 20.6% so far this year.

That is according to the latest Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) crime statistics for the period January 1 to June 7.

It shows that 235 people were murdered up to Sunday, when compared to 296 for the corresponding period last year.

St. James recorded the highest number of murders, with 34, followed by St. Andrew South, with 22, while Clarendon and St. Andrew Central each recorded 18 murders.

Portland recorded the lowest number of murders, with only two cases being reported.

Alongside murders, all other crime categories are showing declines.

The JCF is reporting that shootings have dropped by 29.2%, while rape cases are down 17.4%.

Two hundred and forty robberies were reported up to Sunday, 75 fewer than the 315 recorded last year.

Break-ins have also been reduced by 56 cases when compared to the 498 cases reported up to June 7, 2025.

Overall, the JCF says major crimes are down by 19.7%.