For the first time since July 2002, when 72 murders were recorded, the countrys murder rate has dipped below the 80 mark.

Police crime statistics for September 2010 indicate a major decline of 42% in the number of murders when compared to September of 2009.

The figure is also the lowest for murders recorded in any one month since the start of the year.

The overall reduction in recorded murders for September 2010 when compared to September 2009 is 55.

The Police say the September 2010 murder figures continue the trend of the last three months, where murders recorded have fallen below 100.

Five of the six other major crimes, Shooting, Rape, Carnal Abuse, Robbery, and Larceny also recorded significant declines for an overall 14% drop in September 2010, when compared to August 2009.

Murder leads the reduction figures for serious crimes with a 42% decline.

Deputy Police Commissioner Glenmore Hinds, who is in charge of operations, heaped praises on the members of the Force.

This is the fourth consecutive month that we would have recorded a decline in murders and its attributable to the strategies we would have employed which are arresting gang members, the leadership of gang members, coordinating raids, cordon and searches and the proactive activity of our street crimes unit has also helped significantly, DCP Hinds said.

Of the 19, Police Geographic Divisions, 15 recorded declines in murders, with the Hanover Division leading the way with a 300% drop.

Seven of the eight Metro Divisions, those located in Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine all recorded declines.

The St. James Police Division recorded a 70% decline in its murder rate, moving downwards from 27 in September 2009 to eight in 2010.

The Clarendon Police Division recorded five fewer murders in September 2010.