Police Report Rise in Cases and Traffic Accidents in First Half of Year

Police statistics show that 1,568 traffic accidents have been reported so far this year, marking a slight increase compared with the same period last year.

According to data released by the Maldives Police Service, a total of 6,204 cases were reported in the first six months of this year, up 7 percent from 5,757 cases recorded during the same period last year.

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Theft accounted for the highest proportion of reported cases, followed by traffic accidents, which made up the second largest category.

Statistics show that 1,531 accidents were reported during the first half of last year, compared with 1,568 accidents this year, reflecting a 2 per cent increase.

Monthly figures show 303 accidents were reported in January, 251 in February, 273 in March, 284 in April, 273 in May, and 256 in June.

Overall, theft cases accounted for 28.7 percent of all reported incidents in the first six months of the year, while traffic accidents made up 25.3 percent.

The data shows 1,780 theft cases were reported, followed by 1,568 traffic accidents and 1,116 drug-related cases. Other reported incidents included 527 lost items cases, 328 vandalism,  338 assault cases, 172 domestic violence cases, 131 sexual offence cases, 81 robbery or mugging cases, 140 embezzlement or breach of trust cases, and 23 forgery cases.

Authorities continue to implement joint initiatives aimed at reducing crime and improving road safety. Among these is the ongoing “Rakka Road Safety Campaign”, which focuses on public awareness and enforcement.

The campaign runs across Malé and the atolls and includes awareness videos, road safety roleplays, television programmes, and billboards in high-traffic public areas.