ST Elizabeth, Jamaica — St. Elizabeth Parish Police Chief Superintendent Coleridge Minto announced a 32 percent decrease in serious crime across the parish during the handover ceremony of the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) housing units in Donegal on July 19.
Superintendent Minto provided a detailed breakdown of the crime statistics:
- Shootings: Down by 12 percent.
- Robberies: Down by 27 percent.
- Aggravated Assaults: Down by 33 percent.
- Burglaries: Down by 52 percent.
Despite these improvements, Minto noted an increase in murder cases, with four more reported compared to the same period last year. The number of rape cases has remained unchanged. He attributed the rise in homicides to factors such as domestic violence and gang-related activities.
Superintendent Minto highlighted the ongoing efforts of the police operations across the parish and the support from Area 3 and specialized teams in Kingston. He expressed hope that these measures will help to further reduce crime rates in the coming weeks.
In addition to the crime statistics, Superintendent Minto reported significant progress in road safety:
- Fatal Vehicle Collisions: Reduced from 21 to 15.
- Fatalities: Decreased from 23 to 17.
The increase in traffic law enforcement is evident, with traffic tickets issued rising from 6,202 to 21,065, reflecting the Traffic Division’s enhanced operational activities.
Overall, Superintendent Minto’s report underscores a positive trend in crime reduction and road safety improvements in St. Elizabeth, despite some challenges that remain.
