The police are reporting an 8 per cent increase in murders.

According to the latest crime data released by the Constabulary, 1,108 murders were recorded up to Saturday, September 17, 82 more than the 1,026 recorded in the corresponding period last year.

The St. James Police Division recorded the highest number of murders, with 154, followed by Westmoreland, with 110.

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

Robberies went up by 94, from 551, to 645, while break-ins increased by 36, from 664, to 700.

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