Major crimes down 15 per cent, Chang lauds security forces

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang is lauding the security forces for their efforts in significantly reducing major crimes across the island. 

Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing Wednesday morning, Chang said major crimes in Jamaica from January to November 4, have decreased by 15 per cent when compared with the corresponding period last year. 

He noted that 233 fewer murders have been committed, representing a 19 per cent reduction. Shootings have also decreased by 9 per cent, rapes by 28 per cent, and robberies by 21 per cent. 

Significant decreases have been seen in the five “problematic” divisions responsible for most of the crimes in the country, Chang said. 

Crimes in St James are down by 32 per cent, Westmoreland has seen a 12 per cent reduction, while crimes in Clarendon have decreased by 39 per cent. Meanwhile, crimes in West Kingston, and St Andrew South are down by 30 and 14 per cent, respectively.  

Chang said the police have also recorded a decline in incidents of multiple murders. 

“While the recent three have shaken the society, it is more of a reflection of the fact that the society…hearing less about multiple murders now when they happen it's a sorta social shock, and indeed we are concerned about them as everybody in society,” he said. 

But he stated that this time last year, there were 78 incidents of double murders with 156 victims, compared with 40 such incidents with 80 victims. 

“We continue to take action to reduce that kind of activity,” he said. This includes intensifying investigative efforts, leveraging intelligence and deploying more personnel to target key actors. 

In August, eight people were killed in a shooting in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon. Weeks later, seven people were injured and one killed after gunmen attacked the wake of Reggae artiste Christopher Martin's grandmother in St Catherine.

Two weeks ago, five men were shot and killed during an attack at a football match in Pleasant Heights, Rockfort in Kingston. 

Stressing that these are not random acts of violence, but are linked to organised crime, Chang said the security forces are working to bring those responsible to justice. 

“I want to reassure the nation that the Jamaica Constabulary Force is working tirelessly to maintain peace and security and bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice. We understand the gravity of the situation and are treating each incident with the utmost priority,” he said. 

- Sashana Small

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