The number of people murdered in the country since the start of the year has surpassed 300.

According to the latest crime data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 303 murders, were recorded as at Friday, March 31.

This is 79 fewer than the 382, recorded in the similar period, last year.

St. James recorded the highest number of murders with 41, followed by Kingston Western and Clarendon with 26 each.

Meanwhile, there were also declines in rapes, robberies, and break-ins.

Cases of rape declined by 65, from 1 hundred and 37 to 71.

Robberies went down by 80, from 248, to 168,

While break-ins decreased by 30 from 245, to 215.