Maldives Police Report Drop in Theft and Drug Cases in October, Increase in Traffic Incidents

The Maldives Police Service has reported a decline in theft and drug-related cases in October, accompanied by an uptick in traffic accidents, based on the latest police data. The report reveals that 253 theft cases were registered in October, down from 297 in September and 326 in August, marking a continuing decline in theft occurrences. Drug-related offenses also saw a reduction, with 118 cases of drug trafficking registered last month compared to 143 cases in September.

Despite the decline in these crime categories, traffic accidents saw a significant increase, with 241 incidents recorded last month alone. Police are attributing this rise to the increased traffic density in urban areas and seasonal tourism peaks. In response, the city police have implemented policies to enhance traffic monitoring, ensuring that officers patrol high-risk zones and engage with civilians every five minutes to curb accident rates.

The October report also highlighted other key statistics:

- Fraud cases: 36

- Sexual assault cases: 18

- Assault cases: 44

- Domestic violence cases: 11

- Robbery cases: 37

- Forgery cases: 17

- Property loss cases: 68

In addressing the report, Commissioner of Police Ali Shuja reiterated the importance of creating a safe environment for citizens, emphasizing that ongoing police efforts are aimed at reducing crime and enhancing public security.

The police have also been collaborating closely with local councils in atolls to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns, aiming to educate the public on preventive measures against theft. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to engage communities directly, fostering trust and cooperation to build safer neighborhoods.