Syria has been ranked eighth in the world in terms of crime rates, and second in Asia after Afghanistan, according to a report by the Numbeo, which monitors global crime and quality of life indicators. This alarming position reflects a significant increase in crime rates in recent years, exacerbated by deteriorating security conditions and the weakened legal infrastructure in the country.
The report highlights how crime in Syria has evolved over time. As a result of years of war and the growing power of non-state actors, foreign militias, and cartels, criminal activity has increased. The Assad regime’s mismanagement and corruption have left Syria’s justice system in tatters, unable to respond to the surge in crime. This failure leaves Syrians increasingly vulnerable to violence and insecurity.
The report draws attention to the role of drug abuse and the misuse of social media as major contributors to rising crime rates. Al-Jubaili explained that drug use, now prevalent among both men and women, has become a key driver of many violent crimes. Meanwhile, the unchecked use of smartphones and social media has led to greater family disintegration, further fueling criminal and predatory behavior.
He also stressed that community awareness could play a vital role in reducing crime, but efforts must be coordinated. Integrating awareness programs into educational curricula or organizing intensive campaigns could help prevent future violence.
Crime rates are particularly high in areas controlled by the Assad regime, where rampant corruption and a lack of a functioning judicial system have led to widespread lawlessness. Syrian human rights activist Montaha Abdo highlighted the chaos in regime-controlled regions, noting that violent crime has spiked due to the regime’s inability to maintain order or provide justice.
According to Voice of the Capital, a Damascus-based media outlet, data from Assad’s Ministry of Interior showed that the total number of murders in areas under regime control was 68, including 26 in the Damascus countryside, and 14 kidnappings, including two in the Damascus countryside and one in the capital city itself, since the start of 2024.
In addition to violent crimes, property crimes are rampant in Syria, with the capital Damascus seeing an average of 15 mobile phone thefts recorded each day. The inability of the police and local security forces to address these crimes has led to an atmosphere of fear and frustration among residents.
Syria’s overall murder rate, as reported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, stands between 2 and 2.5 per 100,000 people, underscoring the Assad regime’s failure to address the growing security crisis in the country.
