Shootings and murders fall sharply in Old Harbour

According to the year-end comparative data released by authorities, the division, encompassing Old Harbour and Old Harbour Bay, recorded a total of 18 murders in 2025, down from 26 the previous year. This represents a decrease of eight incidents, or a 30.8% reduction.

The breakdown shows the larger Old Harbour area itself recorded 15 murders – down from 20 - while Old Harbour Bay recorded three homicides, down from six.

An even more pronounced decline was seen in shooting incidents. The subdivision, which falls under the St Catherine South Police Division, recorded 18 shootings in 2025, a sharp drop from the 28 in 2024. This is a reduction of 10 incidents, equating to a 38.5% decrease. Old Harbour reported 14 shootings, down from 19, while Old Harbour Bay reported four, down from nine.

While the figures point to a positive trend, local law enforcement officials have urged continued vigilance. 

"This progress is the result of concerted efforts from police, community partners, and citizens choosing a different path," stated Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Romario Rankin, commander in charge of the Old Harbour subdivision. "We are encouraged, but not complacent. Our work to make every community safe continues unabated."

Community leaders have welcomed the news but echo the call for sustained effort including social intervention initiatives.

In welcoming the reduction in major crimes not only in Old Harbour but nationally, youth advocate Preston Smith said “there's a feeling that the authorities could have done more to address the root causes of crime”.

“It's like fixing a leak temporarily instead of permanently - the issue might resurface. Focusing on long-term solutions, such as social programmes and community engagement, could help sustain these reductions,” Smith added.

“As someone from Old Harbour Bay, you've seen firsthand that the community isn't hard to work with; people just want opportunities.”

Businesswoman and Old Harbour resident Keisha Demetrus Folkes is also naturally pleased with the reductions but noted “there is rom improvement in the other areas” of Jamaica’s fastest growing town.

She said: “I’m particularly pleased with the 50% or more reduction in Old Harbour Bay area as it relates to murders and shootings. I know that historically that is one of the danger areas predominantly known for crime in Old Harbour. It also suggests that if the force pay more attention or as much attention that had been paid to Old Harbour Bay to some of the other areas then we can have a further reduction going forward. 

“So, I think the focus now should be… while they continue to monitor the Old Harbour Bay area… they now need to engage in the other hotspots just build the same camaraderie, the same community spirit and hopefully this year we will be seeing even more significant reductions.”

The police have indicated that operational strategies, including increased targeted patrols, community mediation, and intelligence-led operations, will continue into the new year with the aim of further reducing violent crime across the division.

Nationally, Jamaica has seen a 41% drop in murder with 673 people dead by violent means. The figures represent the lowest in 31 years. 

“This is not a marginal improvement; it is a substantial reduction, and it reflects the cumulative impact of intelligence-led policing, focused operations against gangs, enhanced firearms interdiction, and the commitment of our officers on the ground,” said Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake.