The police are reporting a 1.8 per cent increase in murders as at last Thursday April 21.

According to the latest crime data released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 446 murders were recorded up to Thursday, 8 more than the 438 recorded in the corresponding period, last year.

St. James recorded the highest number of murders with 76, followed by Westmoreland with 46.

There was also an increase in break-ins, which went up by 17, from 275 to 292.

Meantime, there were declines in cases of rape and robbery.

Rapes declined by 30, down to 127 from 157.

While, robberies declined by 29, down to 280 from 309.