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Jamaica’s murder rate has declined by 29 per cent up to March 14, according to the latest crime statistics released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), with the country also recording single-digit killings last week.
Police data show the homicide tally now stands at 113, compared with 160 murders during the corresponding period last year.
The JCF said the latest figures represent a continuation of the downward trend in major crimes across the island.
According to the data, eight homicides were recorded during the week of March 8 to 14, a notable shift from the double-digit weekly figures recorded throughout the entire month of February.
The updated statistics come amid broader declines in several categories of serious crime.
Despite the overall reduction, some police divisions continue to account for a significant share of the killings so far this year.
The parish of Saint James Parish leads the country with 16 murders, followed by Saint Andrew Parish South with 13 and Clarendon Parish with 11.
Manchester Parish has recorded nine murders, including a double killing on Saturday night when two people were shot dead at a bar.
Meanwhile, Saint Elizabeth Parish and Saint Ann Parish have each recorded seven murders, rounding out the divisions with the highest tallies so far this year.
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At the other end of the spectrum, the Kingston Central and Saint Andrew North divisions remain murder-free since the start of the year, according to the latest police statistics.
The data also show improvements in other major crime categories.
Overall, major crimes are down 24 per cent, with declines recorded in shootings, injured persons, rapes, robberies and break-ins compared with the corresponding period last year.
Police say the latest figures continue a trend highlighted by the force’s high command in recent weeks, as authorities point to intensified operations and targeted policing strategies aimed at curbing violent crime across the island.
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