Crime decreased from the turn of the century
The incidence of criminal offenses has decreased since the turn of the century. Crimes decreased from 2001 to 2014. Since then, there has been no significant reduction or increase.
This is stated in the reply of Snorri Arnar Árnason, criminal and sociologist at Science Web today. The question was whether crime rates had increased in Iceland in recent years.
Total frequency stable since 2014
« Overall, the incidence of crime has not increased in Iceland in recent years. On the contrary, most violations have decreased or their incidence has remained stable since 2014, » says Snorri’s reply.
He points out, however, that « Certain deviations, « are present in certain criminal categories. » The incidence of robbery, murder and serious violent crimes has increased in recent years, « says Snorri’s reply.
The incidence of murder was proportionally high 2024.
Graf/Science Web/Snorri Örn Ásmundsson
Never more robbery and murder
Since the turn of the century, the incidence of murder has never been higher than 2024.
Snorri says, however, that « it is right to keep in mind that murder is relatively few in Iceland and a slight increase can therefore cause a great swing that may be only anomalies in the development. »
Rán has also increased, but their incidence peaked since the turn of the century last year. Snorri points to the definition of robbery in this context: « In the Criminal Code, a robbery involves taking on money or other value with physical violence or threat. «
The incidence of robbery is at its peak since the turn of the century.
Graf/Science Web/Snorri Örn Ásmundsson
Three times more thefts of the crash
Reported theft violations reached a certain peak around the economic collapse, in the years 2008-2009, according to Snorri’s response. However, their incidence decreased rapidly until 2013 and has remained low since. It should be noted that burglary is covered by a category of theft. Below you can see burglary rates in recent years.
Burglary took a toll in the collapse.
Graf/Science Web/Snorri Örn Ásmundsson
Rapes increased but decreased again
« The rape increased from 2001 to 2018, but since then they have decreased, » says Snorri in his reply. He also points to external factors that may be affected in this context.
« Sexual offenses are a issue that has been regularly discussed since the turn of the century and the #metoo revolution is one example of awareness,« He says. Awareness and debate on issues, he says that can have a temporary or permanent increase in the crime of crime.
Snorri mentions more influences in crime rates such as police initiative, « imminent circumstances » such as the crown virus epidemic, change in legislation and population increase, for example, tourists.
The incidence of criminal offenses has decreased.
mbl.is/eggert
