IDFI: Georgian crime rates increased by 17.23% between January and July 2019

A total of 38,748 crimes were reported in Georgia between  January and July of 2019, which is a 17.23% increase when compared to the same period of 2018, announces the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI).

The number of solved crimes has decreased by 4%.

The number of crimes against human rights and freedoms has increased by 33.06% and the number of drug-related offenses has increased by 26.21%.

During the first 7 months of 2019, the rate of crimes committed against a person’s life increased by 16.09%.

Property crimes Crime against property increased by 19.58%, while crimes against health increased by 12.69%.

Domestic violence (10.38%), rape (36%) and cybercrime (130%) have also increased significantly this year.

Transport crime (-4.43%) and official misconduct (-7.89%) have decreased.

The increase in crimes such as domestic violence or threat can be explained by the increase in public awareness and the number of appeals to the police, said IDFI.

However, the increasing prevalence of theft, robbery and rape indicates a worsening criminal situation, says the  IDFI. The institute also calls into question the efficacy of Georgian law enforcement agencies due to the downward trend in the number of solved crime cases.