Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

The St Catherine North police are reporting success in the fight against crime in 2011 in comparison to 2010.

Last year, the police seized 86 illegal guns, 27 more than the 59 they took from the streets in 2010.

The police also seized 1,091 rounds of ammunition last year, which is 597 more than the 494 for the previous year.

Investigators told THE STAR that the pressure brought on by the police has led to a reduction in murders for the corresponding period as well. The division had 34 fewer murders last year than for 2010. For 2011, there were 174 murders compared with 208 in 2010.

"We think the seizure of illegal guns has placed pressure on criminals in the division and has helped in the reduction of major crimes, especially murders," a senior investigator said.

The Star was told that success in crime reduction was a result of the increase in police operations and intelligence-driven detection.

It was the view of the police that their efforts would continue to be successful in 2012 and beyond.