The Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, and Employment refers to the Opposition’s press conference earlier today regarding theft cases. While every case must be taken seriously, the Ministry urges against unnecessary alarmism that is not based on facts.
While the Opposition speakers presented the situation as extraordinary and abnormal, the facts show otherwise.
The Ministry highlights that the recently published crime report for Malta continues to indicate a decline in crime rates. Specifically, in terms of theft, the report states that the rate of residential theft has remained low. In 2024, the number of reported residential thefts was 513—the second-lowest rate on record, with the lowest being in 2023, which had 34 fewer cases. This is a significant decrease compared to the 1,004 residential theft reports in 2012.
Additionally, last year Malta recorded the lowest rate of armed robberies since such data has been collected. In 2024, the country also registered the lowest number of vehicle thefts and the second-lowest rate of thefts from both occupied and unoccupied properties. In Gozo, theft cases in 2023 were the lowest recorded in the past 20 years—half the number registered in 2006.
Regarding thefts in Swieqi, while every case is taken seriously, the data shows a decrease in incidents rather than an increase. The first months of this year do not indicate a different trend. In 2012, there were 60 residential thefts in Swieqi, compared to 25 last year—less than half the 2012 figure. In the first three months of this year, only four cases have been reported.
Once again, this does not diminish the seriousness of any case, but it does not justify the Opposition’s attempt to instill fear where it is unnecessary.
At the same time, efforts to prevent crime must continue, and cooperation with the police remains crucial. The Ministry also reminds the public of the support services available for victims of crime through the Victim Support Agency.
