Jordan sees 5.26% surge in crime, one offense every 22 minutes

The 2024 Annual Crime Report, released by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Jordan’s Public Security Directorate, reveals a 5.26 percent rise in crime compared to 2023, with a total of 23,982 incidents.

This increase highlights growing security and socioeconomic challenges across the kingdom.

Six-year crime trend

The 2024 uptick continues a fluctuating pattern over the past six years:
2019: 26,233 crimes
2020: 22,187 (↓15.42 percent)
2021: 20,991 (↓5.39 percent)
2022: 22,895 (↑9.07 percent)
2023: 22,784 (↓0.48 percent)
2024: 23,982 (↑5.26 percent)
The sharp decline in 2020 is attributed to COVID-19 lockdowns, which restricted movement and reduced crime opportunities. However, economic pressures in recent years have driven a rebound, culminating in the 2024 increase.

Key findings for 2024

A crime occurred every 21 minutes and 59 seconds in 2024, compared to every 23 minutes and 4 seconds in 2023, marking a faster pace of criminal activity. The report identifies theft as the most prevalent crime at 49.00 percent, followed by fraud (15.57 percent), assault on public employees (10.45 percent), gunfire incidents (7.21 percent), and serious assault (3.88 percent).

Crimes against property dominated at 67.87 percent (16,277 cases), with public administration (10.71 percent) and public safety (7.24 percent) crimes also significant. Within crimes against public morals, prostitution led at 48.44percent, followed by kidnapping (31.13 percent) and abortion (18.18 percent).

Regional distribution

Amman recorded the highest crime share at 43.1percent (10,338 cases), followed by the North Region at 24.9percent (5,962 cases), the Central Region at 19.5percent (4,667 cases), the South at 2,046 cases, and Royal Badia at 969 cases. South Badia stood out with a high crime rate of 32 per 10,000 residents, despite its smaller population.

Juvenile, drug-related crimes surge

The report notes a 14.22 percent increase in juvenile crimes, totaling 2,466 cases, and a 10.4 percent rise in drug-related crimes, reaching 25,260 cases. These drug offenses were concentrated in southern governorates and border areas like Aqaba and Central Badia, likely due to smuggling activities.

Declines in serious crimes

Despite the overall rise, several serious crimes saw significant declines: gambling dropped by 50 percent, suicide by 43.04 percent, bribery by 40 percent, manslaughter by 26.09 percent, and intentional murder by 14.89 percent. Premeditated murder, attempted murder, and indecent assault also decreased by 7.14 percent, 7.01 percent, and 4.94 percent, respectively.

Analysis, conclusions

The data reveals a paradox: while property crimes like theft and fraud are rising—driven by economic hardship—serious crimes such as murder and bribery are declining, likely due to targeted security measures.

Experts recommend a multifaceted approach to crime prevention, including social education, awareness campaigns, and advanced investigative tools. Jordan’s crime clearance rate remains impressive at over 96 percent, reflecting effective law enforcement amid complex challenges.