Annual crime statistics released by the Maldives Police Service show an 11 percent decline in cases reported in 2010, compared with 2009.
The number of cases reached an all-time high in 2009 at 19,259 for the year, with a particularly dramatic spike in crime between 2006 (8560 cases) and 2008 (17674).
A comparison of crimes logged from 2008-2010 shows a general decline in drug offences from 2484 cases in 2008 to 1618 in 2010.
Assaults spiked in 2009 to 2000 cases, but 2010 was on par with 2009 levels with 1638 cases reported.
‘Theft’ remained one of the country’s most reported crimes, and was relatively consistent across the three-year period with 4000 cases reported in 2010.
Reporting of domestic violence cases remained extremely low at just 135 cases in 2010, marking a steady decline.
The number of cases fell across most offences from 2009-2010, with the exception of embezzlement and cheque-bounce offences.
Perhaps responsible for the overall fall in drug-related cases, the 2010 statistics show that the Drug Enforcement Department was one of the most active police bodies last year in terms of filing cases for prosecution, with 844 cases sent to the Prosecutor General – more than double that of any other department.
The North and Upper North Police Divisions filed the most prolific number of cases with the PG’s office at around 260 each, after the Southern Police division’s 437 cases.
Of the atoll police stations, Haa Dhaal Kulhudhufushi filed vastly more cases than any other police station at 574 cases, followed by Seenu Hithadhoo (444) and Seenu Gan (391).
According to the police statistics, stations at Hulhumeedhoo, Rathafandhoo, Faresmaathoda, Guraidhoo, Rasdhoo, Dhuvaafaru, Milandhoo and Hanimaadhoo did not log a single case in 2010.
Crime reported in Male’ was split evening cross the main districts, however at 36 percent of cases Heniveru was recorded as the most crime afflicted.
Most arrests made across the Maldives in 2010 were for drug offences (1153), assault (941) and theft (773), and most of these were first time offenders.
The bulk of those arrested were young men aged between 17-23, while key crimes committed by minors (aged under 18) were assault, theft and drug offences – albeit with an overall decline in 2010 on 2009.
Interestingly, only 138 women were arrested in 2010 compared with nearly 4000 men – 3.5 percent of arrests made. 42 of these women were arrested for ‘sexual offences’.
Overall conviction rates appeared rather low – of the 17854 cases closed, 3323 were sent to the Prosecutor General’s Office. Of these 1108 were sent back, and 776 ended in convictions. Only 75 convictions were recorded from cases begun in 2010.
Read the police annual report (English)
(0)Dislikes
(0)Related Posts
Young man dies in attempt to flee from police- Police officer in charge of Dhoonidhoo put detainees to work
- Police conduct random checks on flights bound to Turkey
- Security services to receive medals on Independence Day
- Man caught with 13 bullets of drugs in anal cavity
- Three arrested from opposition protest
But the amount of serious crimes has increased, the general feeling of safety has decreased, expats be it professionals or menial labor works are facing more and more harassment. I must say just putting all the data into one graph isn't going to give the details needed to plan prevent and analyze.
So Crime is pretty much related to political tension.. I bet there will be an increase this year as we are facing the council elections now...
Political crime by government has increased, I think.
Like Sarangey running for LC while sitting astride on Male' Municipality!
What a shame!
These are very interesting statistics. I hope Anni and his administration will study this and take appropriate actions to reduce violence and crimes by young people. We are heading into right directions, but we have to expedite certain policies to bring these figures down at a faster pace.
@mahir; correlation does not mean causation.
This is good news for Maldivians. Lets hope that Maldives becomes free from crime and drugs.
Police is doing a great job and should eradicate this politically run gangs to make this country a free society. Use what ever power required and crush them. What do these gang stars think they are? Just worthless human beings.
The decline is only on the cases reported, in a lawless city and police intergrity lost, whats the point in reporting a crime. An independant stats on crime will show " The Bodu Manzar"
From this Report someone might think Maldives is becoming a safe place to live but it’s not really the Real Situation….
The Maldives is becoming a place where the people would experience not a Bloodshed but a Bloodbath if a Bill that forces Judges to judge using Scientific Evidences does not go to Judges without any further delay
The corruption in government structure and police departments will keep on the very low level security of ordinary peoples
I wonder how many unreported cases are there.
people don't report cause they don't trust the police , and their safety is no more, i urge Maldivian police to stop this nonsense in order to make public more ignorant .. thank you
I'd be worried if that was true.
Number of cases reported =/= number of cases happening.