Robberies and drug cases rise, as gang violence and domestic violence fall

Police statistic show that reported cases of crime has increased by nine percent this year, compared to the first three months on 2015.

Statistics published by police shows that 3,545 criminal complaints were filed with police during the first three months of 2015, while 3,850 criminal complaints were filed with police during the first three months of 2016 – 305 cases more than 2015.

Statistics show an increase in robberies, muggings, drug abuse and drug trafficking, as well as traffic violations compared to first three months of 2015. While on the other hand, reported cases of domestic violence, sexual assault and gang violence has decreased.

There were 122 muggings reported during the first three months of 2015. While the number doubled to 238 cases this year – which is 116 cases more than 2015.

Meanwhile, drug abuse and drug trafficking cases – one of the most prominent issues facing Maldives – reported during the first three months of 2015 was 479 cases. The number has increased by 28 percent as statistics show that 613 such cases have been reported in 2016 so far.

The top crime reported to police during the first three months of both 2015 and 2016 are robberies. But the number increased by just one percent this year.

Traffic violations during the first three months of 2015 was 579. The numbers show an increase by 19 percent, with 619 traffic violations during the first three months of this year.

Cases of bounced cheques, counterfeiting and forgery has also increased this year.

On the other hand, reported cases of domestic violence, sexual assault and gang violence has decreased this year, compared to first three months of 2015.

Reported cases of domestic violence decreased by 13 percent, sexual assault by 12 percent, and gang violence by 28 percent.