The City of St. John’s is working to help build a safer community amid an apparent increase in violent crime in the region.

RNC are investigating a homicide in the Sebastian Court area early Sunday morning. An injured 25-year-old was found in the area of the housing development and was pronounced dead in hospital.

It’s the second homicide in the capital city so far this year.

Mayor Danny Breen says efforts are underway to build a safe community with the help of federal funding announced a few months ago.

He says a variety of groups including community organizations, the RNC and the provincial government gathered to chart a course on what role the municipality can take in making communities safer.

In the meantime, Breen says work continues to address growing safety concerns in the George Street area.

Breen says Downtown St. John’s and the George Street Association are working with the RNC, the capital city and area MHAs in addressing those concerns.