The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has stated that theft was the most frequently reported crime in August.
The latest statistics released by the MPS show that a total of 1,009 cases were reported in August, with over 300 of them being thefts. Since the release of police statistics, theft cases have averaged over 3,000 annually. A total of 3,973 theft cases had also been reported by the end of 2022, and this number stood at 3,818 by the end of 2023.
The statistics show that the traffic accidents were the second most reported incidents in August, with 204 cases, while 130 drug-related cases were recorded. The most common cases reported during the month included 323 thefts, 204 traffic accidents, 130 drug offenses, and 70 instances of lost property.
The statistics also reveal a month-on-month increase in thefts, with 316 cases reported in July. On the other hand, traffic accidents slightly decreased, with 210 reported in July compared to 204 in August. The police stations in the atolls of the Maldives are collaborating with local councils to address crime, and the MPS is conducting various public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing theft and accidents.