PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
MURDERS WENT up by 65 per cent for the month of January this year, compared to the same period last year.
There was also a 70 per cent increase in gun-related homicides at the end of January compared to 2005.
Figures released by the Homicide Bureau showed 38 murders up to January 31, compared with 23 in 2005.
SECOND-HIGHEST NUMBER
This is the second-highest number of murders recorded for a month here. The highest number of murders ever recorded in a one-month period was 40 in September 2005. And with an almost two thirds increase in murders, the detection rate has dropped by some seven per cent.
According to a statement by the Homicide Bureau Wednesday, of the 38 homicides recorded, charges were laid in connection to two murders, a detection rate of 5.2 per cent.
In two other cases, police have a suspect under guard and a woman was killed in a murder/suicide.
In 2005, of the 23 murders committed, charges were laid in connection with three homicides, a 13 per cent detection rate.
GANG-RELATED DEATHS
Gun-related deaths have also gone up, with 29 of the 38 murders committed with illegal firearms.
Seventeen gun-related homicides were recorded in January, 2005.
Gang-related murders in Laventille and east Port-of-Spain continue to be a problem, with 16 of the 38 murders committed in those areas, 42 per cent of the overall figure.
Killings in these areas have also gone up by 25 per cent compared with last year's figure.
