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

By the end of 2020, the number of cybercrimes in the Vitebsk region increased 2.7-fold, while the number of grave and especially grave crimes decreased by 12.5%.

By the end of 2020, the number of cybercrimes in the Vitebsk region increased 2.7-fold, while the number of grave and especially grave crimes decreased by 12.5%. This information is posted on the official website of the Department of Internal Affairs 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, victims of virtual offenders were citizens aged 18 to 40 – the most active users of the global network. People of retirement age fell for the bait of cybercriminals in slightly more than 13% of the total registered cases. "The most effective way to protect citizens from such crimes is preventive work to improve the digital literacy of the population," the report states.

Last year, the number of crimes investigated by 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 (down 22%), robberies (down 34.5%), and thefts (down 9.5%) also decreased. Six robberies were committed in the region, which is 75% less than in 2019. At the same time, cases of fraud increased – their level rose by 53.4%.

As for thefts, their number decreased by 9.5%. Most often, criminals "confiscated" 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 up on the street, in entrances, and in courtyards, they became easy prey for criminals. A large proportion of thefts (about 77%) were committed by unemployed or non-studying citizens, including every second theft committed by individuals with a criminal record.

A positive result was the decrease in the number of crimes committed while intoxicated (10.2% less than in 2019) and committed by minors or with their involvement (20.3%).