The police are reporting a 7.4 per cent, increase in murders.

According to the latest crime data released by the constabulary, 1,055 murders were recorded up to Wednesday September 7, 73 more than the 982 recorded in the corresponding period, last year.

The St. James police division recorded the highest number of murders with 145, followed by Westmoreland with 103.

There were also increases in cases of robbery and break-ins.

Robberies went up by 86 from 534, to 620, while break-ins increased by 41, from 639, to 680.

Meantime, there was a decline in reported cases of rape.