The Manchester police are reporting a 21% increase in murders, up to April 12.

Deputy Superintendent of Police in charge of operations, Collin Johnson, made the disclosure while addressing the monthly meeting of the Manchester Municipal Corporation yesterday (April 13).

He noted, however, that there have been significant reductions in other serious crimes.

He said reductions have been recorded in shootings, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, break-ins, and larceny.

DSP Johnson said, however, that murders have increased in Manchester with, 17 being recorded so far this year, including five killings in recent days.

He noted that the police will be increasing its personnel assigned to the quick response unit and are discussing other intervention methods, to tackle crime.

Meantime, murders are also up in St. Ann.

That’s according to Officer in charge of Criminal investigation for St. Ann, Deputy Superintendent Linton Bailey.

He was presenting the monthly report of the police at yesterday’s general monthly meeting of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation.

Deputy Superintendent Bailey said several murders in the parish are related to disputes over land possession. He said the police will be ramping up intervention measures, to help resolve these legal matters.