Killings, rapes increase in Jan-Sept

The number of homicides, including attempts, increased by 26 percent or by 77 crimes in the country from January to September this year compared to the same period in previous year, said a recent press release issued by police.

Most of the increase was due to attempted manslaughter and, to some extent, to the preparation of aggravated offences against the health and lives of others.

The growth in these offences was fairly even in terms of region and time. The number of aggravated assaults has also risen by around 13 percent, or 112 offences. Most of this growth is due to aggravated assault in private locations.

The number of rape offences reported to the police during January-September 2017 increased by 11 percent or 93 offences compared to January-September in the previous year.

The number of sexual harassment offences fell by over 28 percent, or 124 offences. The ‘Me too’ campaign, which spread via the social media in recent weeks, may affect this situation in the latter part of the year.

Meanwhile, the number of burglaries of inhabited residences has dropped significantly. Related incidence of aggravated theft and attempted aggravated theft declined by almost 31 percent.

On the other hand, holiday homes have been targeted by criminals and the number of burglaries increased by 26 percent compared to the previous year.