The country recorded a slight increase in overall crime rate in the first half of this year. The Royal Bhutan Police registered 1,270 cases between January and June this year, up from 1,247 cases during the same period last year. However, the number of drug cases declined compared to the same period last year. The Deputy Chief of Police shared this at a press conference today while presenting the half-yearly update on the country’s crime situation.
Among the categories that saw an increase were sexual offences, which rose from 55 to 67 cases, domestic violence from 358 to 438 cases, chorten and lhakhang-related crimes from 21 to 33 cases, and children in conflict with the law from 64 to about 157 cases.
Meanwhile, cyber-related crimes declined from 69 to nearly 46 cases, while other crimes dropped from 680 to 529 cases.
Deputy Chief of Police of the Crime Division, Colonel Passang Dorji said, “While the overall number of crime cases increased during the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, a closer assessment shows that there has been no increase in serious crimes. Most of the increase was in domestic violence, gender-based violence, and substance abuse.”
Drug-related offences also declined during the reporting period. Police recorded 713 cases between January and June, down from 819 cases during the same period last year. Cases of substance abuse fell from 656 to 573, while trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances decreased from 153 to 116 cases.
Colonel Passang Dorji said, “Various institutions are involved in awareness campaigns, and we are continuing these efforts. From the police’s side, our divisions, teams, and the Crime Division at Police Headquarters are continuously conducting awareness programmes. These awareness campaigns have their own benefits.”
Police data show that domestic violence, battery, larceny, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and burglary were the five most commonly reported crimes during the first year of this year.
To strengthen investigations and improve case management, the Royal Bhutan Police has established regional special investigation teams in the eastern, western, southern, and central regions.
Kelzang Chhophyel/Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Phub Gyem
