The police are reporting a 5.5 per cent decrease in murders as of last Saturday.
According to the latest crime data released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 156 murders were recorded up to Saturday, 9 fewer than the 165 recorded in the corresponding period last year.
St. James recorded the highest number of murders with 29, followed by St. Catherine North with 17.
All police divisions recorded murders except Portland.
Meanwhile, there were declines in cases of rape, robbery and break-ins.
Rapes declined by 42, down to 26 from 68.
Robberies declined by 15, down to 96 from 111, while break-ins dropped by 16, from 90 to 74.
