Prague crime rate down 38 per cent since 2013, addicts behind most theft

The number of reported crimes in Prague has decreased every year since 2013, when police recorded 82,005 crimes. Last year, 50,726 crimes were reported, a drop of 38 per cent from four years earlier.

The most significant drop has been in terms of property theft and violent crime, a police spokesperson told state news agency ČTK. The most reported crimes include pickpocketing, especially in high tourist seasons, and car break-ins.

Estimates suggest that at least one-third of thefts were committed by hard-drug addicts, who need about 1,000 crowns per day to support their habits. There were an estimated 16,200 problem users of pervitin (crystal meth) and opiates in Prague last year.