Barbados’ murder rate jumped significantly in 2010, moving from seven per hundred thousand in 2009 to 11 per hundred thousand in 2010.

Police Commissioner Darwin Dottin says the island recorded 31 murders in 2010 compared to 19 in 2009.

The murders included the deaths of six young women in one incident at the Campus Trendz store on Tudor Street last September.

Of the 31 murders recorded 21 have already been cleared, with significant progress being made in the remaining cases.

Commissioner Dottin says 12 of the murders in 2010 resulted from disputes, seven from robberies, and three were gang related.

In the nine other cases lawmen say they have not ascertained motives for the killings as yet.

Police Commissioner Darwin Dottin says white collar crimes are also posing significant challenges for the force.

In this regard he says they need additional staff to cope if they are to keep on top of this type of crime in Barbados.

Commissioner Dottin says drug abuse in schools is also a major source of worry for members of the Royal Barbados Police Force.