If you are a regular reader, you know that the stoptheftclass.com blog likes to look at theft cases around the globe. Today we will look at the Maldives where crime is rampant.

Cases of theft reported to police last month increased by 46 percent compared to January 2013, according to crime statistics from the Maldives Police Service (MPS). As reported in minivannews.com.

In January alone there were a total of 623 cases of theft reported to police– an average of 20 cases a day – while 427 cases were reported in the same period last year.

Some 51 cases of theft and four cases of robbery have been reported so far in February (the first 2 days). What could be going on that there is such a surge in theft.

Cases of robbery also rose from 54 in January 2013 to 88 cases last month.

A Disturbing Trend – Both Theft and Drugs

Reported instances of theft had increased dramatically in 2012 compared to the previous year. While 4,734 cases of theft were reported in 2011, the number rose to 6,572 in 2012 – a 38 percent annual increase. The figure climbed to 6,681 in 2013. Robbery and theft currently account for roughly 50 percent of crimes reported to police.

Next to theft, the second highest number of cases reported in January 2014 involved drugs. Perhaps drugs and addiction issues are to blame.

The number of drug cases filed last month reached 461, which represents a 56 percent hike compared to January 2013, during which police began investigating 295 cases.

The total number of crimes reported to police meanwhile increased by 20 percent compared with January of last year. While 1,742 cases were reported this year, the figure was 1,436 in January 2013.

What do you make of this increase? Are drugs and theft increasing in your area? I look forward to your thoughts and opinions?