One In Every 10 Crimes In Malta Last Year Happened In St Julian’s… But Islands’ Total Cases Have Gone Down Again
Crimemalta Observatory has just published its Annual Crime Report, revealing a number of interesting statistics when it comes to Malta’s 2024.
The report shows that Malta’s crime rate has once again declined, falling by 1% last year to a total of 16,662 crimes with a population of 563,443, notably less than the predicted crime rate of 25,820 based on previous data. That statistic is even more impressive when one looks at the last 20 years, where the rate went from 45 crimes per 1,000 individuals in 2004 to 30 crimes in 2024.
And while the homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 persons went slightly up from 0.4 in 2023, it was significantly lower than the 1.7 recorded in 2004, 2012 and 2022. Violent crimes also saw a decline, for a total of 344.
However, theft has increased in certain categories, particularly entertainment-related thefts and pickpocketing, which rose from 405 cases in 2023 to 650 cases in 2024. In fact, theft comprised a whopping 31.3% of all offences reported, with 650 cases of pickpocketing being reported. Meanwhile, Damages and Fraud came in second and third as far as highest reported offences go.
Domestic violence reports also continued to increase (something which has been happening since 2007), reaching 2,225 cases. Grievous bodily harm due to the physical force also saw a rise.
The report also pinpointed the different localities where crimes were reported, with St Julian’s topping the list with 1,753 cases, a whole 10.5% of all crimes last year. The entertainment hub was followed by St Paul’s Bay (8.5%), Birkirkara (4%) and Sliema (3.8%).
Meanwhile, Gozo saw a notable 23% decrease in crime reports, registering the lowest theft figures recorded in the last two decades – 174 cases.
“Not only are we endorsed by last year’s World Justice Project as one of the top ten safest countries globally, but our annual crime report clearly shows we are on a steady path to reducing crime,” Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà said reacting to the report. “While we have effectively curbed most traditional crimes, we’re aware of the rise in reports of domestic violence and are also actively enhancing our responses to digital crimes.”
Do these figures surprise you?
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