16,662 crimes were reported in 2024 according to the latest CrimeMalta Observatory report, which is a 1% decrease in reported crimes compared to 2023.

The report notes a decline from 45 crimes per 1,000 individuals in 2004 to 30 crimes per 1,000 individuals in 2024.

A government statement said that "according to estimates based on the crime rates of 2004 and 2014, the crime report rate this year was expected to exceed 20,000 and even reach 25,000 reports. However, the reports over the past year were significantly lower than that. The report also shows a decrease in the crime rate when comparing 2024 to the previous year."

Despite the overall drop in crime, certain categories saw increases. Reports of domestic violence continued their upward trend since 2007, reaching 2,225 cases in 2024, with psychological harm making up 78% of these reports.

Domestic violence reports pertain to stalking, slight bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, and psychological harm, with most cases involving partners or former partners.

Councils such as Mosta, Floriana, Bormla, Safi, and Santa Lucija reported between 2 to 5 times the national rate. Notably, Floriana recorded figures five times the national rate in 2024.

Meanwhile, areas like Fontana and Ghasri registered zero domestic violence offences, "a phenomenon also found in rural and small areas where the changes in legislation may yet have an effect in terms of encouraging victims to report."

The report also noted a rise in certain theft categories, particularly related to entertainment-related thefts and pickpocketing, which increased from 405 cases in 2023 to 650 in 2024. "This highlights the ongoing need for public awareness and vigilance," the report reads.

Violent crimes decreased to 344 cases, and the homicide rate stood at 0.7 per 100,000 people-lower than in previous decades but slightly up from the 0.4 per 100,000 people the year prior.

The findings point to a shift in crime patterns, with a growing number of offences occurring in private spaces, such as fraud, money laundering, and domestic violence, a statement issued by the Home Affairs Ministry reads.

Traditional crimes such as armed robberies and vehicle thefts reached their lowest levels in recorded history.

Gozo saw one of the most significant improvements, with a 23% drop in crime reports and the lowest theft figures recorded in the past two decades, it was said. Geographically, Mdina had the highest crime rate per capita due to its small resident population and high visitor numbers. Other localities with relatively higher crime rates included St Julian's, Mosta, Floriana, and Valletta with between 2 to 5 times higher crime rates than the national average.

The report reads that at 16,662 reported offences, a stabilization of the 2023 figures has been registered. "This is in contrast to the increase registered in 2023 that had depicted a reversal of previous years' year-on-year decline through a massive jump in fraudulent gains (which included sms fraud, digital fraud). The latter offences has seen a significant decline in 2024 with a drop of 530 cases (19%). Parallel to this, significant drops in computer-related crimes of 369 cases or a 43% decrease as well as a decrease in damages of 274 cases (8%) were registered. However, the figures did not decrease to 2022 levels as they were mitigated by increased in theft (487 cases or a 10% increase) domestic violence (154 cases or 7%) and a new category of offence entitled environmental crime which registered 174 cases."

In a comment on the findings, Minister for Home Affairs, National Security, and Employment Byron Camilleri said that Malta's security has been strengthened through continuous investment in law enforcement. He credited the disciplined forces and government initiatives for the sustained decline in crime. Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà highlighted the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts, noting that Malta maintains a 100% homicide case resolution rate since 2018. He also spoke of the importance of public cooperation in crime prevention and the role of community-based policing in reducing offences.

In his statement, Commissioner Gafà expressed his pride in the effective work carried out by law enforcement officers, stating: "Not only do we have confirmation from the World Justice Project that last year ranked Malta as the tenth safest country in the world, but the annual crime report clearly shows that last year we continued to reduce crime in our country both in absolute terms and per capita. In fact, while in 2004 we had an average of 46 reports per thousand people in our country, last year we lowered this to 30."

He acknowledged, however, that while crime rates have decreased in various areas, there has been a continued rise in domestic violence cases. "While we strengthened our services in this sector and increased awareness, last year we continued to experience increases in reports of domestic violence. Under no circumstances am I saying that our country is a utopia. On the contrary, while last year we registered the lowest rates of armed robberies and vehicle thefts, and the second-lowest rate of home burglaries, we continue to experience an evolution in digital crimes."

Gafà said that the Malta Police Force will continue adapting to these evolving crime patterns with substantial investments in financial and cybercrime investigations. He concluded by thanking police officers for their dedicated work and expressed gratitude towards citizens, stating, "Together, we are truly succeeding in keeping our country among the safest in the world."

Criminologist Saviour Formosa, who conducted the research, noted that as society evolves, so does crime. He said: "In today's world, for example, crime can occur simply by a victim receiving a message and approving a malicious transaction. This highlights the crucial role of awareness, as each report represents a victim in need of help."

He also pointed out that while crime rates are among the lowest recorded per capita, there have been changes in the types of crime and their dynamics. "This year, we saw a decrease compared to last year, along with shifts in crime types and locations. We are now in a situation where we have one of the lowest crime rates per thousand people, but we are seeing more crime occurring behind closed doors, such as domestic violence. It is essential to further study the definition and impact of psychological domestic violence."

The CrimeMalta Observatory report underscores the importance of continued public awareness, education, and law enforcement adaptation to evolving crime trends. As crime trends evolve, the data underscores the importance of continued vigilance and public awareness to sustain these positive developments, the report reads.