Latvia

Less robbing and stealing, but more murder

BNN

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August 10, 2012

Robbery and theft cases decreased in number in the first half-year of 2012, but the number of murders has increased in Latvia, State Police reports.

There were 26 951 cases if criminal activity registered in the first half-year in Latvia, which is 1 042 cases less than in the first half-year of 2012. The number of especially serious crimes decreased by 4.5%, while the number of serious crimes decreased by 9.2%. The number of people oriented crimes also decreased – 2 416 (-250), including cases of inflicting serious injuries – 94 (-19). According to the information compiled by the police, physical injuries are mostly inflicted during household fights and conflicts after consuming alcohol.

The number of murders also increased – 62, which is 21 murders more than last year. The spontaneous nature is still an unchanged tendency for these criminal acts.

26 (+22) cases of prostitution restriction violation were registered in the first half-year of 2012. 55 (+39) cases of pimping and sexual abuse were also recorded, as well as 23(+7) cases of manufacturing and distribution of pornographic or erotic materials.

An unfortunate traditionally high proportion (60.6%) of all registered crimes is made up of crimes against personal property – 16 331. At the same time, this number decreased by 1 940 or 10%. The number of cases of robbery also decreased – 490 (-47), and as evidenced by the information for the police, robberies usually take place out on the streets. The number of registered thefts also decreased – 7 132 (-1 745). However, traditionally thefts are still the most common type of crimes.

In 2012, there was an increase in the number of cases of fraud – 540 (+69) and embezzlement – 544 (+181), mainly influenced by the economic situation and opportunities for profit. An increase in smuggling – 43 (+36), and illegal alcohol production, storage and handling – 89 (+35) was also noted. An increase of illegal alcohol sales – 203 (+24) was registered in the first half-year of 2012.

1 550 criminal cases related to illegal realization of drugs and psychotropic substances were registered, which is by 553 cases more than last year. This includes 381 (+98) crimes related to storage and manufacturing of illegal drugs and 330 (+39) crimes related to the realization of the said illegal substances and 741 (+336) crimes related to purchasing and storage of drugs.

Ref: 102.109.109.3022

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