Serious crime in Cyprus rose 27.8 per cent in the first half of 2026 compared with last year, while the share of cases solved fell, according to a police report that points to a shift towards more complex, technology-assisted and interconnected crime.
The report, prepared for the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, recorded 580 serious crime cases in the first half of 2026, compared with 454 in 2025, an increase of 126.
Police solved 455 cases, up from 387, but the clearance rate fell from 85.2 per cent to 78.4 per cent, a drop of 6.8 percentage points. The report notes that this does not necessarily mean police became less productive, and that drugs, motor vehicle theft, impersonation, homicides and attempted homicides, and domestic violence all had high or very high clearance rates. However, it says the increase in cases outpaced the clearance rate, putting pressure on investigators, particularly in categories that grew in volume or complexity, such as drugs, sexual offences, theft and burglary, cybercrime and fraud.
It names robbery and snatch theft, internet and technology offences, arson and child sexual exploitation as the areas under the greatest pressure. Rather than only solving more cases, the report calls for a move to intelligence-led policing, focused on trend analysis, criminal networks, digital traces, financial flows, international cooperation and prevention. It also recommends a rapid strategic correlation team for every homicide or attempted homicide, covering weapons, drugs, financial disputes, organised crime and previous threats.
Child sexual exploitation
Complaints of child sexual exploitation rose from two cases in 2025 to 13 in 2026. Nine of this year’s cases were solved, a clearance rate of 69.2 per cent.
The report describes this as one of the most important risk indicators. It says the rise may reflect a real increase, better detection, more reporting or offending moving to digital environments.
It calls for:
- an ‘online child sexual exploitation’ sub-indicator in the monthly table
- systematic cooperation with schools, platforms, parents and European networks
- priority for digital forensics, so evidence can be secured quickly
- prevention messaging that stresses early reporting without causing panic
Technology crime
Internet and technology offences rose from 11 to 14 cases, while the number solved fell from four to three, cutting the clearance rate from 36.4 per cent to 21.4 per cent. The report calls this the clearest sign that technology crime is growing in complexity faster than traditional investigative capacity.
Robbery and theft
Robberies and snatch thefts rose from seven to 18 cases. Five were solved, up from one, lifting the clearance rate from 14.3 per cent to 27.8 per cent, which the report notes remains low. It says the rise may be linked to opportunistic crime, the targeting of vulnerable victims, small groups, or vehicles and mobile phones being used to get away quickly.
Thefts rose from 34 to 52 cases and the number solved from 16 to 24, leaving the clearance rate almost unchanged at 46.2 per cent, compared with 47.1 per cent. The report recommends mapping recurring locations and times each month, and local prevention efforts in areas where crime has risen.
Limassol and Nicosia
Limassol recorded the largest increase in serious crime, from 113 cases to 190. Nicosia rose from 90 to 131, Larnaca from 87 to 106 and Morphou from 10 to 16, while Paphos fell from 96 to 90 and Famagusta from 58 to 47.
The clearance rate fell furthest in Morphou, from 100 per cent to 56.3 per cent, and in Larnaca, from 78.2 per cent to 67.9 per cent. It also fell in Nicosia, from 86.7 per cent to 77.1 per cent, in Limassol, from 80.5 per cent to 78.9 per cent, and in Paphos, from 92.7 per cent to 88.9 per cent. Famagusta improved from 87.9 per cent to 91.5 per cent.
According to the report, Limassol and Nicosia appear to be carrying most of the increase. It says the rise in Limassol needs further analysis by category, as it may be linked to urban density, economic activity, port and commercial flows, nightlife, organised crime or increased recording.
Sexual offences
Rapes fell from six cases to one, which was solved. Wider sexual offences rose from 55 to 87 cases and the number solved from 43 to 67, with the clearance rate roughly stable at 77.0 per cent, compared with 78.2 per cent.
Analysts cited in the report warn that the fall in rapes should not lead to complacency. They say the sharp overall rise points to a wider range of complaints, increased detection, or both.
Drugs
Drug cases rose from 105 to 120 and the number solved from 99 to 112, with the clearance rate still very high at 93.3 per cent, slightly down from 94.3 per cent. The report says the rise points to increased activity, more effective enforcement and prevention, or both.
It recommends:
- analysing drug markets, including substances, quantities, networks, routes, ages and points of entry
- closely monitoring synthetic drugs, new psychoactive substances and online orders
- sharing information between the Anti-Drugs Unit (YKAN), Customs, airports, postal services and international channels
Domestic violence
Cases of domestic violence and related serious offences were almost unchanged, at 96 compared with 95. The number solved fell slightly from 94 to 92 and the clearance rate from 98.9 per cent to 95.8 per cent, which the report says is still very high.
It warns that domestic violence is an ongoing rather than occasional challenge, requiring continuous assessment of the risk of reoffending and escalation, and of the need to protect victims.
It recommends:
- a mandatory risk-assessment form in every serious case
- closer monitoring of high-risk cases
- cooperation with social services, health services and, where children are involved, schools
- tracking of response times, repeat victimisation and breaches of protective measures
