Monaco has a well-earned reputation for being one of the most secure and peaceful places on Earth. While the Principality still has to catch up with Iceland to claim the top spot as world’s safest place, the latest figures from the Monaco Public Safety Department show that the general crime rates continue their downward trend.
Fall in burglaries and pickpocketing
Presenting the annual statistics at the annual gathering of the Public Safety Department, Minister of the Interior Patrice Cellario pointed out that between 2016 and 2019, overall crime fell by 16% and street crime by 52%. Between 2018 and 2019, total crimes fell from 936 to 889 incidents and street crime decreased from 121 to 90 incidents. Burglaries fell by 23% and pickpocketing by 73%.
Rise in transport-related crimes
The picture is less rosy when it comes to transport. Thefts of motorbikes increased by 20% and traffic accidents in the Principality increased by 25% while drink-driving offenses rose by 10%. The Monégasques dialled the police number 9,426 times in 2019 and security forces spent 43,447 hours on the ground. In fact, there is one police officer for every 100 residents in Monaco.
H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince replied to the Minister’s address by stating that: Everything is achieved on a day-to-day basis. Together, we will continue, with vigilance and rigour, to strengthen the security of the haven of tranquillity that is the Principality of Monaco.
Security projects
The Minister outlined the major projects for 2020, including creating a drone interception unit, introducing more measures to protect elderly and vulnerable people, and adding a new speedboat for the maritime police, among other things. Moreover, the Minister wishes to create a Quality of Life Protection Unit staffed with 10 officers and responsible for traffic regulation, fighting against loud cars and motorbikes to make sure Monaco stays a quieter place for all residents.