St Catherine North cops report drop in murders, other major crimes

The St Catherine North police are celebrating a major victory in their fight against crime, with significant reductions in murders, rapes and robberies so far this year.

The announcement was made by head of the division, Superintendent Hopeton Nicholson, at the monthly meeting of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation (SCMC) on Thursday.

"As at October 8, there's a 26 per cent reduction in murders; that is 68 (killings) compared to 92 in 2023," Nicholson said.

Up to Thursday, he said 22 cases of rape were recorded, compared to 30 for the corresponding period last year. This represents a 26 per cent reduction for that category of crime.

The senior cop said robberies have declined by 56 per cent. Numerically, 16 cases have been reported so far this year, compared to 37 last year.

Nicholson said the decreases have been attributed to targeted initiatives which are aimed at disrupting gang activities and restoring order in the town centres.

However, he noted "slight" increases in shootings and break-ins.

On a positive note, two suspects have been arrested and two others are being pursued in connection with break-ins, which Nicholson said should help curb the frequency of those incidents.

The police are also making progress in removing illegal weapons from the streets, with 43 weapons seized so far this year, up from 39 illegal firearms seized during the same period in 2023.

Meanwhile, Nicholson said migrant criminals may be responsible for some of the crimes being committed in the division.

He assured the municipal councillors that the police "will do all that they can" to reduce the opportunities for both migratory and parish-based criminals to commit further crimes in the police division.