CrimeMalta Observatory Annual Crime Review: Year 2024

The Maltese Islands' crime rate has once again declined, with reported crimes falling by 1% in 2024 over the year before. With a population of 563,443 and a total of 16,662 crimes, the trend continued to decline. With a decline from 45 crimes per 1,000 individuals in 2004 to 30 in 2024, the statistics show that the islands are very safe in terms of crimes per 1,000 persons. Notably, the actual 16,662 reported crimes were much lower than anticipated, despite population increase over the years suggesting a predicted crime rate of 25,820 (based on 2004 statistics) or 21,592 (based on 2014 data).  When compared to the EU average, Malta is placed amongst the safer countries, placed in the lower league for theft and sexual violence whilst in the higher half for homicide, signifying that whilst in most crimes Malta is safer, there is still work to be carried out. 

This drive is highlighted by the post-crime action, whereas per previous years, homicides in 2024 were solved within a few days, continuing the 100% clearance rate for cases reported from 2018 to 2024. The homicide rate in 2024 stood at 0.7 per 100,000 persons, lower than the 1.7 recorded in 2004, 2012, and 2022, though slightly up from 0.4 in 2023. Violent crimes also saw a decline to 344 cases in 2024. While theft has increased in certain categories, particularly entertainment-related thefts and pickpocketing, which rose from 405 cases in 2023 to 650 in 2024, this highlights the ongoing need for public awareness and vigilance. Reports of domestic violence continued their yearly increase since 2007, reaching 2,225 cases, with psychological harm accounting for 78% of these. Additionally, grievous bodily harm due to physical force saw a rise.

Despite some category-specific increases, significant declines were recorded in computer misuse, damages, and fraud. Armed robberies and vehicle thefts were the lowest ever recorded. Reports of residential theft remained low at 513 cases, the second lowest ever, following 2023’s record low of 479 cases. Arson also remains among the lowest levels recorded in the past 20 years. Geographically, the RISC model identified Mdina as having a crime rate more than five times the national average( due to its small size compared to the number of visitors), while San Ġiljan, Mosta, Floriana, and Valletta fell within the 2x to 5x category. However, most localities now fall within or below the national rate, with 17 localities in the slightly higher (1x to 2x) category. Gozo saw a notable 23% decrease in crime reports, with the lowest theft figures recorded in the past 20 years. As crime trends evolve, the data underscores the importance of continued vigilance and public awareness to sustain these positive developments.