There was a 29.7 per cent reduction in murders in Jamaica in the first five weeks of 2019, according to the latest crime figures from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The figures show that there were 109 murders between January 1 and February 2. This is compared to 155 for the same period last year.

The same figures also show a reduction in the other categories of major crimes on the island.

The number of shootings reduced by 17 per cent to 112, when compared with last year.

Incidents of rape declined significantly from 57 last year to 27 this year, while the number of aggravated assaults were reduced from 32 last year to 20 this year.

The downward trajectory continued for crimes classified as acquisitory crimes.

There was a 15.3 per cent reduction in robberies between January 1 and February 2, while the number of break-ins and larceny went down by 29.6 per cent and 5.3 per cent, respectively.

The overall reduction in murders is reflected in the statistics for all police divisions across the island, excepting Portland and Manchester.

In Portland, two persons have been killed so far this year, compared with one during the same period last year.

For Manchester, five persons were killed between January 1 and February 2, relative to three last year.

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