The police are reporting a 4 per cent increase in murders.

According to the latest crime data released by the Constabulary, 850 murders were recorded up to Monday, July 25, 31 more than the 819, recorded in the corresponding period, last year.

The St. James Police division recorded the highest number of murders with 123, followed by St. Catherine North with 81.

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

Robberies increased by 51, from 472 to 523, while break-ins went up by 24, from 549 to 573.

Meantime, there was a decline in reported cases of rape, which went down by 46 from 284 to 238.