Deputy Superintendent of Police Joseph Foster
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Deputy Superintendent of Police Joseph Foster, Commander for Zone Four of the St. Mary Police Divison
St. Mary has seen a massive jump in murders, recording 15 homicides since the start of the year, compared to one in the corresponding period in 2021.
The police gave an update on the crime situation in the parish during Thursday's municipal corporation meeting.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Joseph Foster, Commander for Zone Four of the St. Mary Police Division, said eight of the 15 murders so far this year have been cleared.
But he noted that several of the incidents stem from simple disputes, with one death in particular being the result of a argument over a parking spot.
Theses incidents, he said, highlight the need for residents to learn and utilise alternative dispute resolution to settle disagreements.
While the murder figure is concerning, DSP Foster said there is a decline in other crimes, including robberies.
There have been five such cases since the start of the year compared to seven in the corresponding period last year.
Many of the robberies have been committed on people leaving financial institutions, especially in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
The policeman noted that the victims were "pounced upon by men on motorcycles", so he warned citizens to be "very vigilant" when leaving banks.
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