Serious crime in Cyprus increased in 2024 compared to 2022 and 2023, with concerning figures also emerging regarding minors involved in serious cases.
Police recorded 6,014 serious crimes last year compared to 5,649 in 2023 and 5,402 in 2022, according to Justice and Public Order Minister Marios Hartsiotis in response to a question from AKEL Larnaca MP Andreas Pasiourtides.
A total of 17,065 serious crimes were committed in Cyprus during the three-year period 2022-2024.
Limassol holds the unfortunate lead in crime statistics, with 1,474 serious crimes recorded in 2024, slightly ahead of Nicosia with 1,443 cases. Paphos ranked third with 1,091 cases, followed by Larnaca with 1,025. Famagusta recorded 857 cases and Morphou 124.
A similar pattern was observed in previous years, though with lower numbers. In 2023, 5,649 cases were registered, of which 1,416 were in Limassol, 1,332 in Nicosia, 998 in Paphos, 940 in Larnaca, 791 in Famagusta and 172 in Morphou.
For 2022, the 5,402 cases were distributed as follows: Limassol 1,424, Nicosia 1,214, Paphos 1,165, Larnaca 920, Famagusta 563 and Morphou 116.
The data reveals interesting patterns regarding the nationality of those involved in serious crime. Cypriots lead with 53%, followed by third-country nationals at 29% and European citizens at 18%.
Specifically, of the 5,584 individuals involved in serious crimes last year, 3,259 were Cypriots, 1,779 were from third countries, and 1,112 were European citizens.
In terms of residence, 1,541 lived in Nicosia, 1,393 in Limassol, 1,178 in Paphos district, 1,040 in Famagusta, 889 in Larnaca, and 99 in Morphou.
Concerning minors, 459 were involved in crimes last year, distributed as follows: 209 (46%) were from third countries, 175 (38%) were Cypriots, and only 75 (16%) were Europeans.
This pattern represents a significant shift from 2022, when 63% of minors investigated by police were Cypriots, 22% were from third countries, and 15% were Europeans.
In 2023, there was equal representation of Cypriots and third-country nationals at 39% each, with Europeans accounting for 22% of minors involved in criminal activities.
