Serious and violent crimes in the country continue to trend downwards when compared to the similar period last year.

Up to Saturday, October 6, the number of murders stood at 983 in comparison to one thousand 254 reported in the corresponding period last year.

Shootings decreased by 17.4 per cent to 9 hundred and 15 from last year’s one thousand one hundred and eight.

There was also a reduction in rape cases which went down by 61 with reports as at Saturday October 6 being 334.

Meanwhile, reported aggravated assault cases were recorded at 282, 50 fewer cases than reported last year.

In terms of acquisitory crimes: there has been a 12.5 per cent decrease in robberies as 829 cases were recorded up to Saturday , compared to the corresponding period of 2017 which saw 947 incidents being recorded.

Also, there were 81 fewer cases of break-ins, when compared to last year’s 971 figure.

However, larceny saw an eight point 1 increase with 120 reported cases in comparison to 111 which were reported in the same period last year.

In the meantime, the St. Andrew South, Clarendon and Westmoreland divisions recorded the highest numbers of murders with one hundred and 13, 111 and 107 respectively.

St. James recorded 76 murders down from 232 this time last year.

The parish has been under a State of Emergency (SOE) since January.  The St. Catherine North division has also recorded fewer murders at 80 down from 106.

The division also has increased security presence under a state of emergency.