National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang
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National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang
By Racquel Porter
The Ministry of National Security is reporting a 15 per cent reduction in major crimes despite multiple mass shootings across the island.
Presenting the data at Wednesday's post Cabinet media briefing, National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang said fewer crimes were committed in the last three months when compared with the similar period over the last three years.
"August, September, October has traditionally been the highest quarter for the year, and August, September, October 2024 has been the lowest three months over the last five years. I emphasise that because it reflects the introduction of new strategies by Commissioner Kevin Blake and the team of officers leading the police force," he touted.
Dr. Chang said murders are down by 19 per cent, with 233 fewer people killed so far this year.
Shootings are down 19 per cent, rapes have declined 28 per cent, and robberies are down 21 per cent.
According to Dr. Chang, there has been significant reduction in crimes in hotspot areas.
In St. James, crime is down 32 per cent, Westmoreland is seeing a 12 per cent reduction, Clarendon is down 39 per cent, and crime in Kingston Western has declined by 30 per cent.
Dr. Chang, while highlighting a reduction in multiple murders, acknowledged that there is an intense feeling of anger and shock when mass shootings occur.
Five people were murdered in Pleasant Heights in Rockfort, East Kingston last month and eight people, including a seven-year-old, were killed in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon in August.
Three people were killed on Bowens Road in St. Andrew on November 2.
Where double shootings are concerned, he said last year, there were 78 such incidents with 156 victims, compared to 40 double shootings this year, with 80 victims.
The National Security Minister said the police are working tirelessly to maintain peace and security and bring perpetrators to justice.
In the meantime, the Office of the Prime Minister said during Monday's Cabinet meeting, the Jamaica Constabulary Force indicated that it has intensified its anti-gang strategy, conducting over 2,750 anti-gang operations so far this year.
It also stated that 667 illegal firearms have been removed from Jamaica's streets, with 383 seized directly from suspects.
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