In the Vitebsk region in 2020, the number of serious and particularly serious crimes decreased by 12.5%

Based on the results of 2020, the number of cybercrimes in the Vitebsk region increased 2.7 times, but the number of grave and especially grave crimes decreased by 12.5%. This information is posted on the official website of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, reports BELTA.

In 2020, 3021 cybercrimes were registered in the Vitebsk region, which is 2.7 times more compared to 2019. Primarily, citizens aged 18 to 40, the most active users of the global network, became victims of virtual offenders. People of retirement age fell for the bait of cybercriminals in just over 13% of the total number of registered cases. "The most effective way to protect citizens from such crimes is preventive work to increase the digital literacy of the population," the message states.

Last year, the number of crimes under criminal investigation decreased in the region. There were 12.5% fewer grave and especially grave crimes than in 2019. The number of murders with attempted murders (by 22%), robberies (by 34.5%), and thefts (by 9.5%) also decreased. 6 robberies were committed in the region, which is 75% less than in 2019. At the same time, cases of fraud became more frequent – their level increased by 53.4%.

As for thefts, their number decreased by 9.5%. Most often, criminals "seized" other people's property from apartments and houses: almost half of the registered crimes fall into this category. Among the offenders' trophies, bicycles were the most numerous – 289. Left unattended, not locked, in entrances and yards, they turned out to be easy prey for criminals. A large proportion of thefts (about 77%) were committed by unemployed citizens or those not studying anywhere, including every second theft – by individuals with a criminal record.

A positive result was the reduction in the number of crimes committed under the influence of alcohol (10.2% less than in 2019) and by minors or with their involvement (20.3%).

"This year, all departments of the Internal Affairs Directorate will pay special attention to the digital security of the residents of the Vitebsk region and the prevention of online crimes: virtual fraud, extortion, and high-tech crimes," added the Head of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Regional Executive Committee, Andrey Lyubimov.