There has been a 34.5 per cent reduction in murders, since the start of the year.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 167 murders were recorded up to Saturday March 22, 88 fewer than the 255 recorded in the same period last year.

The St. Andrew South Division had the highest number of murders with 25, followed by St. Catherine South with 18.

St. Elizabeth saw the least murders with 1.

The JCF is also reporting that cases of rape declined by 68 and robberies by 26.

Meanwhile, break-ins increased by 50.