The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting that there has been a 17 percent increase in murders committed across the country for the period January 1 to February 17.
Police data show that over the first one month and 17 days of the year 204 people were killed compared to 175 during the corresponding period last year.
According to the latest statistics compiled by the JCF the St Catherine North Division, which comprises areas such as Spanish Town, recorded 30 murders followed by Clarendon with 27, Westmoreland 20, St Andrew South 21, and St Catherine South 13.
In St James, the parish that has been under a State of Emergency since mid-January, a total of 13 murders were committed 15 fewer than the same period last year.
A record 335 murders were committed in the parish last year.
Crime stats show that police seized 129 illegal guns and 1534 rounds of ammunition since January.
Other major crimes, such as robbery, rape, aggravated assault and break-ins have recorded declines.
