Jamaica’s Crime Rate: 28 Murders in 8 Days Amid 26% Decline. Despite the fanfare of the JCF and the Government over the reduction of crime, particularly the 26% decrease in murders. Jamaica faced the grim reality that hoodlums murdered 28 Jamaicans in eight days.
Indeed, an overall 26 percent decline in murders since the start of the year is a big deal. But, we should remember that the year is young, and Jamaica is dangerous.
Jamaica’s crime rate. According to the latest statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 28 people lost their lives. This occurred at the hands of hoodlums in the first eight days of March.
The statistics show February recorded its lowest monthly murder total in over two decades, with forty-seven Jamaicans killed.
Jamaica’s crime rate spikes in March–28 murders in 8 days.
Still, there have been approximately three murders per day on average since the start of March. Despite this, the country has recorded an overall 26% drop in murders.
The latest crime data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) show that as of March 8, 145 homicides were reported. This figure reflects the total number reported in the country.
That’s approximately 51 fewer than the 196 murders recorded in the corresponding period last year.
St. Andrew South continues to be a hot spot. It leads the country’s murder tally. There have been 23 Jamaicans killed in the division since the start of the year.
St. Catherine South ranks second in the nation with 16 recorded murders.
Since the beginning of the year, five divisions across the country have experienced an increase in murder. They are St. Mary, Portland, St. Andrew South, West Kingston, and St. Andrew North.
The murder rate increased in Portland
The rise in murders in the traditionally peaceful parish of Portland has caught the attention of local political representatives.
On Sunday, Daryl Vaz, the Member of Parliament for West Portland, expressed his concern about the increase in homicides. He noted that much of the crime in the parish appears to have been imported.
Jamaica’s crime rate has increased in Portland. Portland has recorded five murders since the start of the year. This figure compared to just two for the same period last year.
Jamaica’s crime rate. In contrast, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) crime statistics reveal a decrease in shootings by 21%. There were 147 incidents reported up to March 8.
Additionally, reported rapes have dropped by 65% nationwide, and robberies have declined by 17%.
The JCF data shows a 15% increase in break-ins. The total number of incidents is now 190. This marks an increase of 26 compared to the same period last year.