For the fourth consecutive year a decline in crime rate was recorded. This emerges from an annual report published by the criminologist, Professor Saviour Formosa. The results of the report were announced during a news conference with the theme ‘Gvern man-nies’ held in St. Lucia.

Commenting on the report, Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement Minister Byron Camilleri stressed that one must be cautious in view of the fact that 2020 was the year of Covid-19. But, at the same time he explained how there are very clear indications that the efforts of the authorities are bearing fruit. At the forefront is the presence of more police on the streets.

The decline in 2020 when compared to 2019 was 16%. In 2020 there were 13,087 reported offenses to the police, a decrease of 2,502 over the previous year. In 2015, 42 offenses per 1000 people were reported, while in 2020 25.4 offenses per 1000 people were reported.

Minister Camilleri reiterated that while the opportunity for crime decreased with the decrease in tourists, at the beginning of the pandemic there was the concern that crime would increase due to various circumstances. “We acted by increasing police presence on the streets and not waiting for a report behind a desk, something which we are constantly maintaining,” said Minister Camilleri in his speech. He listed several initiatives implemented to ensure a safer country and said that he also understands how the victim feels and what he is going through. Therefore, Minister Camilleri said, while these numbers are satisfactory, the government will take steps to help the victims further.

In his speech Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà explained how the police are investing to be better prepared to fight crime and recalled how all the homicides that happened last year were solved.