Analytics, Crime, Legislation, Lithuania

In 2014, the number of criminal offences recorded, on the increase (by 2-4%) throughout 2011-2013, decreased by 2.2% and totalled 82,900. Most (54%) of the criminal offences recorded were property-related, Statistics Lithuania said.

In 2014, the investigation of 46,100 criminal offences, or 56% of all criminal offences recorded, was completed, of which 41,000 (55%) crimes and 5.1 thousand (62%) misdemeanours. Compared to 2013, the proportion of criminal offences whose investigation was completed, especially that of serious and grave crimes, increased. In 2014, the investigation of 77% of such crimes recorded was completed, in 2013 – 69%.

At the end of 2014, 8,600 persons were incarcerated in imprisonment institutions, most of whom – 7,800 (90%) – were convicted and serving a sentence, the rest – 900 (10%) – were arrested and awaiting the judgement in pre-trial detention facilities. Compared to 2013, the number of incarcerated persons in imprisonment institutions increased by 625 (7%).

In 2014, the courts of general jurisdiction of first instance decided, in total, 297,200 cases (in 2013, 280,100), of which 21,700 (7%) – criminal. Compared to 2013, the number of such – criminal – cases decided grew by 5%. The number of civil cases decided totalled 196,700, which is by 13.7 thousand (7%) more than in 2013.

At the end of 2014, the police had 9,500 police officers, which is by 68 officers (0.7%) more than in 2013. There were 3 police officers per 1,000 population. 61% of police officers were younger than 41 years old, 97% – had higher or post-secondary tertiary education. The police had 3,300 (35%) female employees.