Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson has indicated that since the last press briefing, the Constabulary force has managed to reduce the gap in murders from 6.3 per cent to 1.9 per cent at the end of June; this figure represents a 4.4 per cent decrease in murders recorded in that period.

In addition to the reduction in murders, the island has also recorded a nine per cent decrease in shootings as well as a nine per cent reduction in rapes.

Robberies, however, have increased by 17 per cent while break-ins have also increased by four per cent.

Commissioner Anderson also underscored that gang conflicts, which according to preliminary data, stand at a whopping 74 per cent, continue to be a major contributing factor to the murders recorded so far.

Other noted factors include interpersonal conflicts which account for 14 per cent of murders, mob killings account for 1 per cent, 6 per cent account for criminal activities, while the remaining one per cent has not yet been determined.

Meanwhile, following the declaration of the State of Public Emergency (SOE) in St Catherine, the parish has recorded an 81 per cent decrease in murders and a 56 per cent decrease in shootings respectively.

In addition, over the 14-day period, a total of 34 persons were charged for offences ranging from larceny, assault, and murder.

Furthermore, five wanted persons were taken into custody, three of whom were charged with various offences including murder, shooting with intent, and illegal possession of firearms.

The remaining two suspects were charged with sexual related offences.