There has been an 8.5 per cent decline in crime, that’s according to Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson who was speaking during the Jamaica Constabulary Force‘s quarterly press briefing.
However the commissioner notes while crime has seen a downward trend, there’s’ still a long way to go in addressing the nation’s biggest threat. Major General Antony Anderson says 2022 has so far seen an increase in the recoveries of illegal firearms when compared to 2021. He noted for the first quarter of this year, 223 illegal firearms were recovered, compared to 195 over the same period last year.
Among the 223 firearms recovered, were 37 high powered riffles and 154 semi-automatic pistols. The commissioner highlighted, tips donated to crime stop by members of the public, had a heavy hand in assisting the police. The commissioner also pointed out in recent weeks there have been reprisals especially in the western end of the island.
He says these gunmen are callous and are inconsiderate of innocent by standers. In the meantime, Commissioner Anderson says there has been a reduction in major crimes. He further adds currently the western end of the island contributes to 35% of the murder rate. He says the crime in the west should be trending downward in the second quarter.
