The police are reporting a 6.5 per cent increase in murders as at Monday May 23.

According to the latest crime data released by the constabulary, 574 murders were recorded up to Monday, 35 more than the 539, recorded in the corresponding period, last year.

St. James recorded the highest number of murders with 96, followed by Westmoreland with 59.

There was also an increase in break-ins, which went up by 21, from 360, to 381.

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

Rapes declined by 30, down to 160, from 190.

While, robberies declined by 5, down to 357, from 362.