21 per Cent Drop in Major Crimes in St. Elizabeth

The St. Elizabeth Police Division is reporting a 21 per cent decline in major crimes since the start of the year.

Head of Operations for the Division, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Adrian Flemming, gave the update at the recent monthly meeting of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation in Black River.

He indicated that major crimes have decreased by 43 cases, dropping from 203 in 2025 to 160 year-to-date.

“If we look at the breakdown of those numbers, we are seeing a reduction in robbery, break-in, rapes, aggravated assaults and larceny,” DSP Flemming said.

He outlined that robbery has declined by 33 per cent, break-ins by 25 per cent, rape by 70 per cent, aggravated assault by 48 per cent and larceny by 53 per cent.

As it relates to murders, DSP Flemming informed that proactive steps are being taken to address interpersonal conflicts and domestic violence, which are driving homicides in the division. Murders have increased from 13 in 2025 to 25 so far this year.

DSP Flemming said that focus is being placed on strengthening relationships between citizens, promoting peaceful conflict resolution, and encouraging good behaviour that supports safer communities.

He informed that community safety officers have been deployed to engage with residents to address concerns and promote greater awareness of crime prevention.

“It’s really important that we go into different communities. We partner with [citizens] and let them understand the type of behaviour that is expected,” DSP Flemming said.