Caribbean crime rates

Crime statistics released by law enforcement officials in several Caribbean nations show a decline in murder rates during 2012. 

The most significant drops were in Jamaica (from a 3-year annual average of 1,467 down to 1,087) and Trinidad & Tobago (from a high of 547 in 2008 down to 377). Also recording fewer murders were the Bahamas (currently 100) and Barbados (from 27 in 2011 down to 21). When considering these numbers, the greatly varying populations must be taken into account.

Although murder rates fell on these islands, reports of serious crime (robbery, kidnapping, assault, etc.) increased overall. 

In Jamaica, more than 70% of violent crime is gang related, and the government is providing more money in 2013 to recruit and train officers.