The St. Catherine North Police are reporting significant strides in further reducing crime and violence in the division.

Operations Officer Inspector Horace Hunt said since the start of the year, the division recorded 39 murders, down from the 63 recorded in the corresponding period last year.

He was giving the police report to the meeting of the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation, on Thursday.

The Inspector added that for shootings, the division recorded 35 to date, down from 48 last year.

He said Police also arrested an alleged car stealing ring mastermind and recovered some stolen vehicles.

St. Catherine North Police Operations Officer Inspector Horace Hunt.

He attributed the reductions to police efforts, supported by stakeholder partners.