Jamaica has recorded a significant decline in major crimes so far this year, with murders down 22.5 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2025, according to the latest crime statistics released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
The data, covering January 1 to May 23, 2026, show that murders fell from 275 last year to 213 this year — a reduction of 62 homicides.
Shootings also recorded a sharp decline, falling 32.5 per cent from 295 incidents in 2025 to 199 this year. Robberies dropped by 22 per cent, while reported rapes declined by 17.2 per cent and break-ins fell by 10.8 per cent.
Overall, the island recorded 1,163 major crimes during the review period, down from 1,458 in 2025 — a decrease of 20.2 per cent.
Among the police divisions, St. Andrew North recorded one of the steepest reductions in overall major crimes, falling from 134 cases last year to 34 this year — a 74.6 per cent decline. Murders in the division dropped from 16 to three, while shootings fell from 28 to five.
St. Catherine South also recorded a major reduction in murders, declining from 26 to nine, while St. Andrew South saw murders fall from 37 to 19.
However, some divisions recorded increases in homicides and other serious offences.
St. James reported the highest number of murders islandwide with 28 killings, up from 22 during the same period last year. The division also saw a dramatic rise in break-ins, increasing from 14 to 44 cases — a 214.3 per cent jump.
Murders also increased in Manchester, rising from eight to 14, while Kingston Eastern and St. Elizabeth each recorded increases of six and five murders respectively.
Meanwhile, Portland recorded the lowest number of murders among all divisions with two killings, down from seven last year.
The statistics also showed that reported persons injured in shootings declined sharply from 209 in 2025 to 115 this year.
The figures form part of the JCF’s ongoing monitoring of serious and violent crimes across the island.
