Murders in Jamaica continues to spiral out of control with the country’s homicide count surpassing 1,300 so far this year

The total number of murders in the country as of November 5, 2022 is 1,329 and growing with last week representing one of the bloodiest week so far this year with 35 recorded murders.

Crime stats from the police force shows that homicides have increased by eight per cent year-over-year or 98 more than the 1,231 reported for the same period in 2021.

The top five police divisions recording the most murders are St James with 181, followed by Westmoreland with 126, St Catherine North at 124, St Andrew South with 121 and St Catherine South rounding out the lot with 105 murders this year.

The least homicides occurred in Portland, where there were 10, representing a 38 per cent decrease from last year.

Rape cases, shootings, and injuries have all decreased over time. However, break-ins and robberies have both climbed by nine per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.