Police authorities reported today that crime in 2024 rose to a total of 94,747 incidents, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. The surge was largely attributed to a significant rise in cases of deception, highlighting ongoing concerns over evolving criminal tactics.
Deception crimes alone saw an alarming 11.7% increase year-on-year, reaching 44,480 cases, which accounted for nearly half of all reported crimes. A staggering 61.8% of these deception cases were linked to internet-related activities, reflecting the growing threat posed by online fraud. Notably, a new and troubling trend emerged in 2024: telephone deception scams where criminals impersonate customer service representatives, resulting in 5,575 reported cases.
While overall crime figures climbed, the detection rate remained steady at 30.4%, mirroring the rate from 2023. However, excluding deception incidents, the total number of crimes decreased by 185 cases, and the detection rate for these crimes improved to 47.9%, a rise of 1.7 percentage points.
Violent crime also saw an uptick, with cases rising by 3.6% to 10,485 incidents. This increase was primarily driven by a rise in “naked chat blackmail” cases, which have become a pressing issue for law enforcement.
Rape, another serious crime category, also recorded an increase, prompting heightened scrutiny and calls for preventive measures from community leaders.
Conversely, traditional crimes such as robbery and snatching experienced a decline, with detection rates for these offenses reaching record highs, demonstrating effective policing strategies in those areas.
In terms of national security, the implementation of the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has led to the arrest of 316 individuals by the Police’s National Security Department, with 60% facing charges by the end of December 2024.
Looking ahead, police officials announced plans to prioritize national security efforts, combat deception crimes, and ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the upcoming 15th National Games.
As the community grapples with these trends, law enforcement continues to adapt to the changing landscape of crime, striving to enhance public safety and maintain order.
