FOR THE ninth time this year, there has been a reduction in murders when compared with last year, the police reported yesterday.

According to the statistical department of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), 125 murders were committed in October. There were 131 homicides the same time last year.

With the exception of April (129), which recorded one more murder than the previous year, each month has seen a significant decline in homicides.

At the end of October, 1,080 homicides were recorded in Jamaica, 321 fewer than for the same period in 2005.

A record 1,671 murders were committed in Jamaica last year.

The police have credited improved intelligence and an increased presence in so-called 'hot spots' for the drop in murders. There continue to be high levels of criminality in parishes prone to violence, namely Kingston, St. Andrew, Clarendon and St. James.

Concern over shootings

While the police are claiming success in the reduction of murders, shooting incidents remain high. In October, there were 142 reported cases, one more than last year.

However, there were reductions in rape (41 in 2006, 57 in 2005); carnal abuse (11 in 2006, 28 in 2005); robberies (150 in 2006, 219 in 2005); breaking and entering (104 in 2006, 125 in 2005); and larceny (eight cases in 2006, 14 in 2005).

The JCF's recovery of firearms in October surpassed last year's, with 61 guns seized compared to 50 in 2005.