Slight Decrease in Crime Rate, Stats Show

The Maldives Police Service has reported a gradual decline in the crime rate over the first five months of the year, indicating a positive trend in public safety.

Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Shifan shared that the number of crimes reported to the police has been steadily decreasing since December last year.

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Reports of theft have shown significant fluctuations over the six-month period. The data indicates a sharp increase in theft incidents at the beginning of the year, with 777 reported cases in December 2023, decreasing to 668 in January 2024. 

The numbers remained high in February and March, with 607 and 701 incidents respectively, before starting to decline in April with 620 incidents. By mid-May, the number of theft cases had dropped to 356. This variation suggests possible seasonal factors or effective law enforcement measures impacting the theft rate over these months.

Assault cases have also varied, with notable peaks in certain months. December 2023 saw 155 reported assaults, which decreased slightly to 146 in January 2024 and further to 137 in February. 

However, there was a significant increase in March, with 188 incidents, before dropping again to 160 in April. By mid-May, assault cases had reduced to 62. These fluctuations may reflect changes in social behaviour, law enforcement focus, or reporting practices during these months.

Robbery reports have generally trended downward over the period. December 2023 recorded 117 incidents of robbery, but this number decreased to 75 in January 2024 and continued to drop to 87 in February and 67 in March. 

The downward trend persisted into April with 61 incidents and mid-May with 38 incidents. This consistent decline suggests improvements in security measures or effective deterrence strategies implemented by the police.

Kidnapping, although less frequent, showed a notable peak in March. There were 5 incidents reported in December 2023, dropping to 3 in January 2024, and then rising slightly to 6 in February. March saw a significant increase to 10 incidents, which then decreased to 7 in April and further to 1 by mid-May. 

Chief Superintendent Shifan expressed the police’s commitment to maintaining this downward trend and ensuring the crime rates remain low. He emphasised that the Maldives Police Service will continue its efforts to enhance public safety and security.

The significant decline in crime rates is a positive development for the Maldives, reflecting the effectiveness of the police’s strategies and initiatives in combating crime across the islands.