Cyprus is currently experiencing a worrying increase in reported serious criminal activity for the third consecutive year. Official statistics released by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) in 2024 indicate a definite upward trend in both reported offences and actual cases. This developing situation has unfortunately led to a greater number of victims, affecting both individuals and organisations, and a concerning rise in the involvement of minors in criminal acts.
The latest figures strongly highlight the seriousness of the current situation. In 2024, law enforcement agencies recorded 5,942 reports of serious offences, with 5,900 of these subsequently classified as actual cases. This represents a significant increase from the 5,653 reported offences and 5,630 actual cases documented in 2023. Consequently, an average of sixteen serious criminal incidents are now occurring daily across the island. The rate of serious crime per capita also reflects this escalating trend, with the index per 100,000 inhabitants climbing to 605 in 2024, an increase from 588 in the previous year.
A detailed examination of the offence types provides further insight into the nature of this criminal surge. Crimes targeting property continue to be the most prevalent category, accounting for 31.8% of all reported serious offences in 2024. Offences against individuals constitute the second largest segment, making up 26.8% of the total. A substantial proportion, 17.7%, involves acts that harm the public at large, while other categories such as forgery and malicious damage represent smaller but still significant percentages.
The impact on the population is equally concerning. The 5,900 actual serious crime cases in 2024 resulted in a total of 6,651 recorded victims. This figure, comprising 5,128 individuals and 1,523 legal entities, signifies a notable 20% increase in victimisation compared to 2023. For individuals, crimes against persons were the most common form of victimisation. Legal entities, conversely, were most frequently victims of offences that broadly impacted public welfare.
Perhaps one of the most disquieting trends is the escalating involvement of young people in criminal activities. The number of minors implicated in offences saw a significant spike of 29% in 2024, with 774 juveniles recorded as offenders. Of these, 307 were specifically involved in serious criminal acts. While girls constituted a smaller proportion of juvenile offenders, their presence highlights a growing societal challenge requiring urgent attention.
While the precise drivers behind this multi-year escalation in serious crime remain underexplored, the consistent upward trend necessitates a comprehensive examination by authorities. The decrease in court prosecutions raises questions about case processing and the overall effectiveness of the justice system. Understanding the root causes and implementing robust preventative strategies will be paramount to ensuring public safety.