The Ministry of Justice released statistics showing theft cases registered at the Public Prosecution office declined sharply in the first half of 2026. Minister Nasser Al-Sumait detailed that the 43.4 percent reduction brought the number down to 442 from 781 in the corresponding period the previous year. Robbery saw an even steeper fall of 66.4 percent, with cases dropping to 36 from 107. The ministry’s breakdown further revealed a 48.5 percent decrease in thefts involving breaking, trespassing or unusual methods to 172 cases and a 36.2 percent drop in other theft categories to 183.
Al-Sumait connected the improvements to the government’s multifaceted strategy that includes penal system enhancements and intensified security measures. These indicators reflect the general trend of declining serious crimes, as the government continues to develop the penal system, in addition to the ongoing security and awareness efforts to prevent crimes, he stated. The approach has involved both legislative updates and operational campaigns by security forces throughout the country.
In a related development, the Ministry of Interior carried out a security campaign in the Al-Riggae area of Farwaniya Governorate. The operation involved 168 personnel and 50 patrol vehicles from the Farwaniya Governorate Security Directorate. It resulted in 36 arrests, consisting of 13 individuals with outstanding warrants for expired residency permits, 12 wanted for absconding, four with expired residency, three wanted in civil cases and three involved in drug-related matters, according to the ministry.
Kuwait has exhibited a consistent decline in its crime rate over recent years. A Macrotrends compilation of available data shows the rate per 100,000 population falling to 0.25 in 2020, a 30.59 percent decline from 2019 and part of a longer downward trajectory dating back more than a decade. This context frames the latest half-year figures as an extension of established public safety gains.
The minister stressed that the Ministry of Justice will continue to monitor crime trends. Such tracking supports ongoing adjustments to enforcement and prevention programs across Kuwait. Parallel reporting by outlets such as Times Kuwait conveyed the same official statistics released by the ministry.
