The Malta Police Force reported that theft rates in Malta are at their lowest level in 25 years.With 34% of crimes now occurring indoors, the importance of individual awareness remains critical. Indoor crime has risen significantly over time, increasing from 4% in 2004 to 15% in 2015, and reaching 34% in 2025.In 2025, a total of 15,594 crimes were reported across the Maltese Islands, with a population of 574,250. This represents a 6% decrease compared to 2024, which itself had recorded a 1% decrease from 2023- making the latest reduction six times larger than the previous year’s decline.When measured per 1,000 persons, crime rates indicate that the islands have become safer. Crimes per 1,000 people dropped from 46 in 2005 to 39 in 2015, and further to 27 in 2025—the lowest figure recorded, excluding the anomalous COVID-19 year of 2020.Considering population growth, projected crime levels based on 2005 and 2015 rates would have reached 26,419 and 22,113 cases respectively. The actual figure of 15,594 crimes in 2025 is therefore significantly lower than expected.As in previous years, homicides continue to be resolved rapidly. All homicide cases recorded between 2018 and 2025 were solved within a few days. The homicide rate stood at 0.9 per 100,000 persons in 2025, slightly higher than 0.7 in 2024, but lower than 1.0 in 2005 and 1.7 in 2017.Theft has declined substantially according to the report, with 2025 recording the lowest number of theft cases in decades. Cases dropped from 5,218 in 2024 to 4,428 in 2025—a reduction of 790 incidents- even lower than figures recorded during the COVID-19 year of 2020.Domestic violence cases have remained high since 2007. However, for the first time since 2019, a decrease was recorded in 2025, with 51 fewer cases (a 2% reduction). Most reports (76%) relate to psychological harm, alongside increases in grievous harm and stalking.Increases were observed in offences such as breach of bail, animal cruelty, drug-related crimes, environmental crime, perjury and false swearing, and prostitution.Meanwhile, significant decreases were recorded in computer misuse, crimes against public peace, money laundering, and human trafficking. It is important to note that increases in areas such as drugs, prostitution, and fraud are largely attributed to proactive policing and investigative efforts, and are therefore considered a positive outcome of enforcement activity.According to the RISC model, Mdina recorded crime rates more than five times the national average. Four other localities—St Julian’s, Valletta, Floriana, and Marsa—fell within the 2x to 5x range. Most localities now align with the national rate, while 51 localities fall within a slightly elevated range of 1x to 2x.What do you make of these statistics?•