Crime Trends in the Maldives: A Mixed Picture of Progress and Challenges

The Maldives Police Service has reported a decline in overall crime rates, but a deeper dive into the statistics reveals a complex landscape. While numbers in several categories have dropped, others show worrying trends, particularly involving child victims and drug-related cases.

A General Decline in Crime

The Maldives has seen a notable decline in reported crimes across several categories. Key highlights include:

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• Domestic Violence: Reports have steadily dropped from 696 in 2021 to 537 in 2024. This is a 23% reduction in four years, indicating progress in addressing this issue.
• Sexual Offences: Similarly, cases have fallen from 575 in 2022 to 467 in 2024. The downward trend suggests improved measures or reporting mechanisms, but the numbers remain significant.
• Assaults: Reports have decreased from 1,611 in 2021 to 1,436 in 2024, reflecting an 11% reduction over four years.

However, despite the progress, these categories remain high compared to other crimes, indicating they are still a priority for law enforcement.

Drugs: A Persistent Challenge

Drug-related offences continue to dominate the statistics, even though the numbers have decreased. Reported cases dropped from 4,479 in 2023 to 3,279 in 2024—a significant 27% reduction. However, drugs remain the single largest category of crime reported, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to combat substance abuse and trafficking.

Crime Trends in the Maldives: A Mixed Picture of Progress and Challenges

The Maldives Police Service has reported a decline in overall crime rates, but a deeper dive into the statistics reveals a complex landscape. While numbers in several categories have dropped, others show worrying trends, particularly involving child victims and drug-related cases.

A General Decline in Crime

The Maldives has seen a notable decline in reported crimes across several categories. Key highlights include:

• Domestic Violence: Reports have steadily dropped from 696 in 2021 to 537 in 2024. This is a 23% reduction in four years, indicating progress in addressing this issue.
• Sexual Offences: Similarly, cases have fallen from 575 in 2022 to 467 in 2024. The downward trend suggests improved measures or reporting mechanisms, but the numbers remain significant.
• Assaults: Reports have decreased from 1,611 in 2021 to 1,436 in 2024, reflecting an 11% reduction over four years.

However, despite the progress, these categories remain high compared to other crimes, indicating they are still a priority for law enforcement.

Drugs: A Persistent Challenge

Drug-related offences continue to dominate the statistics, even though the numbers have decreased. Reported cases dropped from 4,479 in 2023 to 3,279 in 2024—a significant 27% reduction. However, drugs remain the single largest category of crime reported, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to combat substance abuse and trafficking.

Traffic Accidents on the Rise

While general crime has declined, traffic accidents have surged in 2024, particularly in the first quarter, which saw a spike to 1,425 cases from 1,096 in the same period in 2023. Although subsequent quarters show a slight reduction, the numbers remain higher than in 2023. This uptick may point to increased road use or lapses in traffic regulation enforcement.

Rising Threats to Children

One of the most concerning trends is the increase in cases involving child victims. Several categories have seen sharp rises in 2024 compared to the previous year:

• Bullying: Cases tripled from 4 in 2023 to 12 in the first nine months of 2024.
• Blackmail: Reports jumped from 5 in 2023 to 15 in 2024, a threefold increase.
• Threats: Cases rose from 18 in 2023 to 25 by September 2024.

These increases highlight vulnerabilities in child protection and the urgent need for targeted interventions to safeguard young people.

Other Notable Trends

• Sexual Harassment: Cases remain low, with 5 reported in 2024 (till September), compared to 4 in 2023. While not a significant rise, it underscores the ongoing need for preventive measures.
• Suicide Attempts: Reports rose from 7 in 2023 to 9 by September 2024, suggesting the importance of addressing mental health challenges.

A Dual Story of Progress and Concern

While the overall decline in reported crimes, particularly domestic violence and sexual offences, is encouraging, the statistics also highlight ongoing issues that require urgent attention. Drug-related offences and the rising number of cases involving child victims are significant challenges.

The surge in traffic accidents further adds to the complexity of the situation, indicating the need for enhanced road safety measures. To build on the progress made and address emerging issues, a collaborative effort between law enforcement, social services, and the community is essential.