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Crime and Offences Statistics Released for Tuvalu

Tuvalu’s Central Statistics Division has released crime and offences statistics for the period 1996-2003, providing a rare glimpse into the island nation’s criminal activity.

Overview of Crime Statistics

According to the statistics, a total of 2,345 crimes were reported during this period. The most common types of crimes were:

• Theft: 44%
• Property damage: 23%
• Assault: 15%

Demographics of Victims and Offenders

Breaking down the figures further, it appears that women were more likely to be victims of crime than men, with:

• 55% of reported crimes affecting females
• 45% for males

In terms of geographic distribution, the majority of crimes (60%) occurred in Funafuti, the capital city and largest urban center. The island of Vaitupu was next highest, accounting for 15% of all reported crimes.

Age Distribution of Offenders

The statistics also reveal that the majority of crimes were committed by individuals under the age of 25, with:

• 70% of offenders falling into this category

Significance and Future Steps

The release of these statistics is a significant development in Tuvalu’s efforts to address crime and promote transparency. The government has expressed its commitment to improving public safety and reducing crime rates, and the release of this data will help inform policy decisions and resource allocation.

Collaboration and Availability of Data

It is worth noting that the statistical analysis was conducted by the Central Statistics Division in collaboration with international partners, including:

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• Pacific Islands Law Officers Network (PILON)

The full report can be accessed on the Tuvalu Central Statistics Division website.