The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) officially launched its 2024 Crime Statistics Report on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Senior Police Officers Mess, Kingtom Police Barracks.
The comprehensive report presents an analysis of crime trends and patterns, alongside the ongoing efforts by the SLP to combat crime over the past year. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. William Fayia Sellu presided over the unveiling of the document.
In his keynote address, IGP Sellu emphasized the dedication and accuracy that went into the compilation of the report, despite the challenges encountered along the way.
He expressed his satisfaction with the findings, highlighting a significant decline in crime rates in Sierra Leone over the past year. He urged citizens to remain law-abiding and to report any suspicious activities within their communities.
The IGP noted that the increased presence of police personnel nationwide has been crucial in reducing crime rates and reaffirmed that the SLP is the authoritative source for reliable and accurate crime statistics essential for effective security planning.
He added that the data included in the report would assist policymakers in developing future crime prevention strategies, urging the public to contribute to fostering peace and security.
In his analysis of major crimes across the country, the Regional Police Commander for Freetown West, AIG Sylvester M.N. Koroma, revealed that a total of 29,015 criminal and road traffic offenses were recorded in 2024, down from 30,491 in 2023. This results in an overall crime rate of 0.33% for 2024, reflecting a 0.2% decrease from the previous year. AIG Koroma reported a decrease in aggravated robbery incidents, from 121 cases in 2023 to 109 in 2024, marking a reduction of 9.92%.
He also highlighted a significant drop in road traffic incidents, with cases decreasing from 3,953 in 2023, resulting in 490 fatalities, to 1,809 incidents in 2024, with 347 fatalities—a notable 54.24% reduction in incidents and a decrease in fatalities.
Despite the overall decline in crime rates, AIG Koroma pointed to a slight increase of 1.40% in offenses against women and children in 2024. He also noted regional disparities in crime rates across various areas of the country. While some offenses saw increases, the overall crime rate decline for 2024 can be attributed to the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies.
Echoing these sentiments, the Director of Corporate Affairs, AIG Esther Mary Kaintor-Dukuray expressed her satisfaction with the latest crime statistics.
She called on the public to refrain from committing criminal acts, stressing the potential destabilization crime can cause to a nation.
“For Sierra Leone to progress, we must collectively embrace peace and reject crime,” she stated.
