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

Any reduction in crime year on year is, of course, welcome, especially given that population figures are rising. The report states that this means that "Malta is a safe place" as crimes per 1000 persons (the rate employed to analyse total crimes) went down from 45 crimes per 1000 persons in 2004 to 30 crimes per 1000 persons in 2024. But efforts to reduce crime even further must be made.

The top three crimes reported in 2024 were theft, damages and then fraud. Domestic violence came in fourth. Compared to 2023, crime reports of damages and fraud reduced, while theft and domestic violence have increased.

Regarding domestic violence, the report mentions that the number has been rising yearly since 2007, reaching 2,225 cases, with psychological harm accounting for 78% of these.

Domestic violence is a scourge that needs to be tackled. It is good that more people are feeling safe enough to file reports, and victims must be encouraged to come forward. The numbers also tell that there is an underlying societal issue that needs to be confronted and tackled if we are to reduce the incidents of this type of crime. Doing so requires a mix of methods, including education at all ages and ensuring quick and strong support. Nobody should live in fear inside their own home.

The document also includes information as to which localities have a higher amount of reports of particular crimes, such as thefts from vehicles for instance, when compared to the national rate, which could indicate where the police need to strengthen their presence.

There is of course a dark figure of crime that must also be taken into consideration, regarding crimes that go unreported. Hopefully these are not many.

The report provides insights which could be useful to the police in terms of which areas require more focus and what efforts have seen success when it comes to types of crime.

While the reduction in overall crime is indicative of an improvement in the effectiveness of the police on the ground, there are serious concerns when it comes to the lack of police action against high profile figures and allegations they face.

Over the years a number of major cases have only been taken up due to magisterial inquiries that were launched, seemingly because of police inaction. This is a worrying situation, especially given the government's all out insistence at diminishing the ability for such inquiries to be requested by citizens. It raises serious concerns regarding the rule of law when the government is attacking such an important tool in this country, given the importance such inquiries have played in investigations regarding high profile individuals. If government believes in the rule of law, it should stop.