There has been a major reduction in murders in the first two weeks of the new year, when compared with 2022.

According to the latest crime data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 32 people were killed up to Saturday January 14.

This is 40 fewer than the 72 recorded in the similar period last year; a 56% reduction.

Up to January 14, six police divisions had recorded no murder. These were St. Catherine North, St. Andrew Central, Kingston Central Trelawny, St. Ann and Portland.

Meanwhile, St. James was the division with the highest number of murders at 5. It is followed by Clarendon and Manchester with 4, each.

Shootings are also down by some 40%. The Constabulary indicates that 26 shooting incidents were recorded up to January 14. This is 17 fewer than the 43 recorded in the similar period of 2022.

The statistics also show a reduction in rape and robbery cases, while break ins are equivalent to last year.