Jamaica Crime Stop arrests rise 38% as major crimes decline

Arrests under Jamaica’s Crime Stop Programme increased by 38.2 per cent in 2025, with 76 people apprehended through information provided to the initiative, while rewards paid to informants rose to approximately $10.3 million.

The figures are contained in the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s (PIOJ) Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2025, which was tabled in the House of Representatives on June 30.

“These outcomes reflected the continued use of the programme as a mechanism for citizen engagement and operational support to policing efforts,” the report stated.

The survey noted that although reporting levels and enforcement outcomes fluctuated compared with the previous year, the programme continued to support police operations through arrests, seizures and financial recoveries across several areas.

Meanwhile, Jamaica recorded declines in several major categories of violent crime by the end of 2025.

According to the report, murders declined by 41 per cent to 675 incidents, while shooting incidents fell by 30.8 per cent to 696 cases. Reported rapes also decreased by 26.3 per cent to 325 cases.

However, some categories increased, with aggravated assaults rising by 41.3 per cent to 465 cases. Robberies increased by 8.5 per cent, while break-ins rose by 17 per cent.

The survey reported that 1,528 people were arrested for Category One crimes during 2025.

Murder-related arrests accounted for the largest share, with 481 people arrested, followed by 395 arrests for shooting offences. Robbery accounted for 231 arrests, while 172 people were arrested for aggravated assault.

St. Andrew recorded the highest number of arrests during the year with 297, followed by St. Catherine with 197 and Kingston with 175.