Reykjavík continues to live up to its reputation as one of the safest cities in the world, the latest crime statistics from the Metropolitan Police reveal. June saw a significant drop in the number of reported crimes, compared to the twelve month average. A total of 636 crimes of various types (excluding traffic violations) were reported in the capital region in June, a drop from 755 in May.
One murder was committed in Reykjavík in June. On June 7 a man in his late 30s was murdered in an attack which is believed to have been motivated by clashes between figures in the Reykjavík criminal underworld.
Read more: Iceland's second murder this year: Police arrests 6 people for Reykjavík underworld murder
11% drop in crime
The crime statistics show a 11% decrease compared to the 6 month average, and a 9% drop compared tot he six month average. On average the Metropolitan police recorded 714 crimes each month in the past year. Violent assaults show an even larger drop (20%), as the average number of assaults has been 102 in the past 12 months.
Nearly all subcategories of crimes saw a drop in June. A total of 304 thefts were reported, 59 burglaries, 83 violent assaults, 112 instances of vandalism, 13 auto thefts and 20 sexual assaults.
Uptick in drug-related crimes
The only categories of crimes which saw an increase in June were drug related crimes. June saw 168 drug-related crimes, including possession and distribution, an uptick of 4 cases, compared to May, and a significant increase compared to the 12 month average. Drug-related offenses have shown a steady increase since earlier this year. The June figure is 40% above the 12 month average.
It should be noted, however, that the number of drug related crimes in 2016 and 2015 had seen a significant decrease over previous years. The June numbers, although high compared to the previous 12 months, is still below the average figures in 2014.
Reykjavík continues to live up to its reputation as one of the safest cities in the world, the latest crime statistics from the Metropolitan Police reveal. June saw a significant drop in the number of reported crimes, compared to the twelve month average. A total of 636 crimes of various types (excluding traffic violations) were reported in the capital region in June, a drop from 755 in May.
One murder was committed in Reykjavík in June. On June 7 a man in his late 30s was murdered in an attack which is believed to have been motivated by clashes between figures in the Reykjavík criminal underworld.
Read more: Iceland's second murder this year: Police arrests 6 people for Reykjavík underworld murder
11% drop in crime
The crime statistics show a 11% decrease compared to the 6 month average, and a 9% drop compared tot he six month average. On average the Metropolitan police recorded 714 crimes each month in the past year. Violent assaults show an even larger drop (20%), as the average number of assaults has been 102 in the past 12 months.
Nearly all subcategories of crimes saw a drop in June. A total of 304 thefts were reported, 59 burglaries, 83 violent assaults, 112 instances of vandalism, 13 auto thefts and 20 sexual assaults.
Uptick in drug-related crimes
The only categories of crimes which saw an increase in June were drug related crimes. June saw 168 drug-related crimes, including possession and distribution, an uptick of 4 cases, compared to May, and a significant increase compared to the 12 month average. Drug-related offenses have shown a steady increase since earlier this year. The June figure is 40% above the 12 month average.
It should be noted, however, that the number of drug related crimes in 2016 and 2015 had seen a significant decrease over previous years. The June numbers, although high compared to the previous 12 months, is still below the average figures in 2014.
