Crime surges in Myanmar since coup: report

By Admin 24 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
24 December 2024, Mrauk-U

Crime rates have surged in Myanmar due to the economic depression, high unemployment and price hikes resulting from the 2021 coup, according to a recent report by the Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP-Myanmar).

According to the report issued on Tuesday, theft and robbery occurred monthly in an average of 86 out of 110 townships surveyed from March to August of this year. 

A Myanmar affairs observer said: “Meeting basic needs has become a tough challenge for the people. Things are harder for families with many members. Previously, people could survive on their daily wages, but it is no longer sufficient now. Jobs are scarce, and the money earned isn’t enough for even one meal. As a result, people are resorting to crimes out of desperation. This is a consequence of the junta’s coup.”

According to ISP-Myanmar, cases of missing persons were reported in at least 40 townships, and murders were reported in more than 20 townships.

The survey indicates that most crime reports were made to junta-appointed administrators in the respective wards and villages. Apart from administrators, people usually filed complaints with the police.

The third most common resolution method was informal negotiation among individuals without reporting to any organisation. “This indicates that people are resolving issues in their own ways because they can’t rely on legal means,” ISP-Myanmar stated.

Nearly four years after the military coup in Myanmar, people are suffering in various aspects of their social and economic lives, including health and education, and security.