Jamaica sees major crime drop as year winds down

With just nine days remaining in 2025, Jamaica has recorded a significant reduction in murders and other major crimes, according to the latest police statistics.

The updated figures were released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force this morning.

As at December 20, the island's murder toll stood at 649, representing a 43 per cent reduction when compared with the corresponding period last year. Around this time in 2024, 1,136 people were killed.

Despite the overall decline, the country was rocked last week by a domestic triple murder in Rocky Point, Clarendon, where a man allegedly chopped three members of his family in an area known as Frazersfield. The incident remains under investigation.

The continued drop in murders follows a trend that law enforcement officials and policymakers have attributed to intensified policing strategies, targeted operations, and increased intelligence driven interventions.

Statistics show that as at December 20, five of the 19 police divisions recorded 50 or more murders. These are St Andrew South with 74, St Catherine North with 63, St Ann with 60, St James with 52, and St Catherine South with 50.

Notably, 17 of the 19 police divisions recorded year on year reductions in murders. Only St Thomas and St Ann showed increases over the same period last year.

Data from the JCF also indicate that most major crime categories are down. Murders, shootings, incidents of injured persons, and reported cases of rape have all declined year on year.

However, robberies and break ins remain areas of concern. These were the only major crime categories to record increases, rising by eight per cent and 19 per cent respectively during the review period.

Police sources noted that these offences continue to affect residential communities and commercial areas, particularly during the traditionally busy holiday season.

The JCF has maintained a heightened security posture across several divisions, including increased patrols, curfews in crime prone communities, and ongoing operations targeting known offenders.

Senior police officials have again urged citizens to remain vigilant, secure their homes and businesses, and cooperate with law enforcement as the year draws to a close.

- Andre Williams

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