Jamaica recorded a total of 786 murders up to Saturday, July 29, according to the latest crime report by the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Despite the still high number of murders islandwide, the police are reporting an 11.8 per cent reduction in serious crimes.

During this period last year, the country recorded 891 murders.

Murders were recorded in all parishes over the period.

The parish of St James recorded the highest number of murders for the period, with 119. It is followed by St Andrew South Police Division with 73 murders, the parish of Westmoreland is next with 72, the St Catherine North Police Division has the 4th highest with 62, and the parish of Clarendon is 5th with 61.

The report also revealed that there was a reduction in other major crimes such as shootings, rape, robbery, and burglary for the period.