Reported crimes rise seven percent as theft and traffic accidents top statistics

Jul 6, 2026, 12:14 PM
Police officers active on a street in Malé; the Gang Crime Enforcement Unit is currently operating under the authority of the newly enacted legislation. -- Photo: Police

Police officers active on a street in Malé; the Gang Crime Enforcement Unit is currently operating under the authority of the newly enacted legislation. -- Photo: Police

The number of cases reported to the police during the first six months of this year has increased by seven percent compared to the same period last year.

Statistics published on the official police website indicate that theft remains the most frequently reported crime in both the current and previous years.

A total of 6,210 cases were reported in the first half of this year, compared to 5,757 cases during the same period last year. This represents an increase of 7.87 percent.

Cases reported this year:

  • Theft - 1,783
  • Accidents - 1,571
  • Drug-related offenses - 1,117
  • Lost property - 528
  • Assault - 340
  • Property damage - 328
  • Domestic violence - 174
  • Embezzlement - 140
  • Sexual offenses - 131
  • Robbery - 81
  • Forgery - 23

By the end of the first six months of this year, 1,783 cases of theft had been reported. During the same period last year, 1,713 theft cases were recorded.

Traffic accidents were the second most reported incident so far this year, with 1,517 cases. Drug-related offenses followed as the third most common, with 1,117 cases reported.

Additionally, authorities recorded 340 cases of assault, 328 cases of property damage, and 174 cases of domestic violence so far this year.

The highest number of reports this year occurred in January, with 1,108 cases filed. Last year, a total of over 12,107 cases were reported throughout the entire year.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Maldivian student killed in fatal car crash in Malaysia

A 21-year-old Maldivian student from Addu City has died following a fatal car accident in Malaysia. Authorities have identified the victim as a young woman from Hithadhoo. Further details regarding the crash are expected to follow.

Man sentenced to 50 years for smuggling drugs

Abdulla Faseeh was sentenced to 50 years in prison for smuggling cannabis and diamorphine strapped to his thighs at Velana International Airport. He received two life sentences and a fine of MVR 200,000. The court rejected his defense that he was a victim of human trafficking due to a lack of evidence.

"Granting permanent land ownership to non-Muslims poses a threat"

Fayyaz Ismail warned that granting permanent land ownership to non-Muslims in Rasmalé threatens national sovereignty, comparing it to the historical seizure of Palestinian lands. He argued that such sales could lead to foreign interference and demands for legal changes that undermine Maldivian values over time.

Music composer Shammoon Hameed appointed to HRCM

President Mohamed Muizzu has appointed music composer Shammoon Hameed to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. Shammoon, a former HRCM Secretary-General, received unanimous parliamentary approval for the role. He has previously held several high-level government positions, including Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Arts.

Want to ensure a worry-free life: Fayyaz

MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail stated the party's goal is to ensure citizen well-being rather than just replacing President Muizzu. At the MDP Congress, he expressed confidence in a 2028 election win and proposed structural reforms. This "Big Change" plan includes separating the roles of Head of State and Head of Government.

Rasmalé deal Is "rooted in deception" and risks diplomatic crisis

Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid warned that the secretive Rasmalé land deal with a UAE firm is "rooted in deception." He cautioned that a lack of transparency regarding the project's financing and terms risks damaging vital diplomatic ties and causing severe economic instability for the Maldives.

LGA upset over use of City Hall for MDP Congress

The LGA condemned the use of Male’ City Hall for the MDP congress, labeling the promotion of political parties on council land as unlawful. The authority warned councils against such activities, citing a breach of conduct. Meanwhile, the MDP criticized the government for denying them state venues while using public spaces for ruling party events.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox