Maldives sees dip in crime rates as police ramp up presence

Statistics show a reduction in crime rates across the Maldives in September, which the police credit to new initiatives in frontline policing.

Theft, traffic accidents and drugs were the most reported crimes in both August and September. But there is a significant decline in reports of these cases in September compared to August; 230 thefts compared to 327, 143 traffic accidents compared to 204, and 111 drug offenses compared to 134.

In a post on X on Tuesday morning, the chief police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan attributed this to new initiatives in frontline policing, implemented under the new police strategic action plan.

“Statistics show a reduction in theft, robbery, and overall crime in the Maldives during September compared to August. The new initiatives in Local Frontline Policing, implemented under the Strategic Plan, are yielding positive results,” he said.

Crime statistics (September):

• Theft: 230
• Traffic accidents: 143
• Drugs: 111
• Lost items: 52
• Assault: 48
• Embezzlement: 43
• Vandalism: 40
• Robbery: 32
• Sexual offenses: 12
• Counterfeit and forgery: 12
• Domestic violence: 11

Crime statistics (August):

• Theft: 327
• Traffic accidents: 204
• Drugs: 134
• Lost items: 78
• Assault: 55
• Vandalism: 50
• Robbery: 46
• Sexual offenses: 43
• Embezzlement: 38
• Domestic violence: 31
• Counterfeit and forgery: 16

Earlier this week, the Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau announced more changes to the police patrol policy, which he said will see an increased street presence in the Maldivian capital so that people come across an officer every five minutes.

The planned changes seek to address an increase in dangerous accidents in the congested capital, some of which have been fatal.