Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
Despite a reported downswing in crime, the gun remains the number one weapon of choice. - File
JAMAICA'S HOMICIDE rate continued its downward trend for a third consecutive month in March. However the Corporate Area and St. Catherine which have recorded the highest number of murders over the past five years, remain the major killing fields.
Of the 313 persons murdered up to the end of March, 209 of the victims were killed in the Corporate Area and St. Catherine. The parishes with the least number of murders so far are; St. Ann with six, Trelawny five, St. Elizabeth four, St. Mary three and Hanover and Portland two each.
For the corresponding period last year the country's murder rate stood at a staggering 418. For the same period in 2004, the figure was 277. According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) crime review, the police are yet to establish the motive for 195 of the murders. The motive for another 99 have been categorised as "other criminal acts', which include reprisals and robberies.
GUN STILL WEAPON OF CHOICE
The gun continues to be the most popular murder weapon. Statistics released by the police indicate that 228 of the victims were killed by the gun, another 49 were stabbed while 10 were chopped to death. One person was killed by ice pick and 24 were murdered by other implements.
Up to the end of March, the police had seized 184 illegal guns, five fewer than the number seized during the corresponding period last year.
| Major Crimes | 2006 | 2005 |
| Murder | 313 | 419 |
| Shooting | 284 | 436 |
| Rape | 149 | 185 |
| Carnal Abuse | 76 | 71 |
| Robbery | 533 | 492 |
| Breaking | 295 | 415 |
| Larceny | 28 | 42 |
