Jamaica has crossed the 600 mark in terms of murders committed in the country since the start of the year.
According to a Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) crime report, 628 murders were recorded as of June 24. This represents a decline in murders when compared to the 722 murders recorded for the same period last year.
St James recorded the most murders during the period, recording 97. Westmoreland followed behind with 57 murders.
In response to the high crime rate in both parishes, States of Emergency (SOE) were imposed on June 22 to end on July 7.
“We have had some success in reducing murders. However, criminal acts have become more brutal and gruesome. We must dismantle the threat to law and order posed by the prevalence of organized gangs. The government will continue to use the available tools to protect the lives of our citizens,” Holness said when he announced the SOEs.
The crime report also stated a decline in rapes, break-ins, and robberies compared to the same period last year.
Rapes declined from 252 to 182, and robberies went down from 463 to 351. Break-ins from 502 to 444.
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