Uncontrollable Rising Crime Rates in Maldives

Thursday 2nd of January 2020

Uncontrollable Rising Crime Rates in Maldives

For the last 3 years, crimes and disorder between the year end and start of New Year period show an upward trend. The crime analysis was tweeted by Maldives Police Service Commissioner today. He stated that in order to control crimes that affect public safety and protection, they have launched Operation Riveli.

According to the pervious plan by Maldives Police Service, ‘Crime levels in the community are increasing due to lack of a concerted approach within criminal justice system’. The rifest crimes in the country are theft, traffic accidents and drugs. In January 2019, theft cases totaled 330, traffic accidents were 180 and drug cases reported were 168. Although traffic accidents reduced, at the end of the year, theft increased to 437 and drugs increased to 196 cases.

According to the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, the objectives of Police Service in crimes include reducing supply and demand to disrupt drugs and alcohol abuse, coordinating approach towards effective cyber policing, enhancing investigation of serious and organized crimes and expanding victim and witness protection capacity.