The police are reporting an 8.2 percent increase in murders.

According to the latest crime data released by the Constabulary, 1,247 murders were recorded up to Tuesday October 18, 95 more than the 1,152 recorded in the corresponding period last year.

The St. James Police division recorded the highest number of murders, with 174, followed by Westmoreland, with 124.

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

Robberies went up by 114, from 616, to 730, while break-ins increased by 63, from 737, to 800.

The police also noted a decline in reported cases of rape.