The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting a 23 per cent decline in murders since the start of the year, compared to the previous year.

Up to Saturday, February 4, the country recorded a total of 83 murders. This is a decline compared to the 109 recorded during this same period last year.

The parish of St James, St Ann, the St Catherine North, and St Catherine South police divisions recorded the highest numbers of murders to date, with 14, 8, 8, and 8, respectively.

The JCF is also reporting a decline in shootings, rape and break-ins.