Sunkarie Kamara, AYV News, March 13, 2026
A new crime report released by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has revealed a concerning increase in crime and violent offences across Sierra Leone, highlighting growing security challenges nationwide.
The findings are contained in the 2025 Annual Crime Statistics Report, launched during a press conference in Freetown, where senior police officials outlined key crime trends recorded during the year under review.
According to the report, the police recorded 34,066 criminal and road traffic offences in 2025, representing a crime rate of 0.38 percent, compared to 0.33 percent in 2024. The increase signals a steady rise in reported crimes across the country.
One of the most notable concerns highlighted in the report is the sharp rise in violent crimes, which accounted for 44 percent of all reported offences in 2025, up from 34 percent recorded in 2024. The figures suggest that violent criminal activities are becoming increasingly prevalent in several parts of the country.
Among the most serious offences, homicide cases increased from 150 in 2024 to 168 in 2025, reflecting growing incidents of lethal violence.
Regionally, the Freetown West Region recorded the highest number of homicide cases with 43 incidents, followed by the North East Region with 35 cases. The Eastern Region recorded 28 cases, while both Freetown East and the Southern Region recorded 26 cases each.
At the divisional level, Bo West Division recorded the highest number of homicide cases with 13, followed by Kenema and Makeni Divisions with 11 cases each, underscoring the spread of violent crime beyond the capital.
The report also highlights a significant surge in domestic violence, which rose dramatically from 7,456 cases in 2024 to 12,301 cases in 2025. The spike points to increasing violence within households and communities, raising concerns about the safety and protection of vulnerable groups.
Students and members of local communities say the rising levels of crime and violence in Sierra Leone may be linked to increasing economic hardship, youth unemployment, and the growing influence of illegal drugs, particularly among young people.
Rashid Kamara, a student at Fourah Bay College, believes the lack of employment opportunities for young people is one of the key drivers of crime in the country. According to him, many youths complete their studies with hopes of securing jobs but often face long periods of unemployment, which can lead to frustration and vulnerability to criminal activities.
Kamara also pointed to the increasing spread of illegal drugs, particularly among young people, as a growing concern that is contributing to violence and social instability in communities.
Similarly, Thaimu Jalloh, a resident of Kuntolor, expressed concern that the worsening economic situation is creating conditions where crime can thrive. He noted that many young people in communities are struggling to find meaningful opportunities, while the availability of illegal drugs is worsening the situation.
According to him, addressing crime in the country will require not only stronger law enforcement but also job creation and community-based interventions aimed at providing alternatives for young people.
Despite these concerns, the Sierra Leone Police say efforts are ongoing to strengthen crime prevention strategies and improve public safety across the country. Also that the Sierra Leone Police is transforming from a force to a service with emphases on accountability and professionalism to the general public.
