The Public Order and Internal Security Situation in the Regions of the Czech Republic in 2000

Contents  

Security Situation in the Territory of West Bohemia in 2000

Area (km2): 10 875
Population: 856 693
Unemployment:6,6
Density:79

Development of Crime in 1998 - 2000

Type of crime 1998 1999 2000
  Crime Clr.up Det rate % Crime Clr.up Det rate % Crime Clr.up Det rate %
Total crime 29 593 14 367 48,5 30 159 15 771 52,3 27 944 14 282 51,1
Development changes +2712 +1119 -0,7 +566 +1 404 3,7 -2215 -1489 -1,2
Violent crimes 1 905 1 616 84,8 1 883 1 623 86,2 1 705 1 490 87,4
Murders 27 23 85,2 19 19 100,0 24 22 91,7
Robberies 377 207 54,9 361 193 53,5 322 179 55,6
Moral crimes 272 258 94,9 219 206 94,1 213 197 92,5
Rape 66 56 84,8 56 48 85,7 40 33 82,5
Crimes against property 20 829 6 193 29,7 20 266 6 405 31,6 19 461 6 211 31,9
Total burglaries 7 135 2 033 28,5 6 549 2 002 30,6 5 892 1 721 29,2
Burglaries of flats 818 297 36,3 757 281 37,1 388 146 37,6
Burglaries of weekend houses 1 586 546 34,4 1 497 569 38,0 1 304 485 37,2
Total common thefts 12 005 3 271 27,2 11 639 3 128 26,9 11 533 3 256 28,2
Pickpockets 417 43 10,3 392 47 12,0 562 67 11,9
Car thefts 1 780 399 22,4 1 895 448 23,6 1 576 351 22,3
Thefts of cars 3 717 749 20,2 3 622 629 17,4 3 155 596 18,9
Bicycle thefts 1 298 289 22,3 1 068 225 21,1 955 197 20,6
Economic crimes 2 434 2 327 95,6 3 613 3 522 97,5 2 689 2 631 97,8
Embezzlement 545 544 99,8 541 539 99,6 431 430 99,8
Fraud 894 888 99,3 1 489 1 485 99,7 1 111 1 108 99,7

West Bohemia in 2000

Crime

Total crimes27,944  (-7.3 %)
Crimes per 10 thousand inhabitants 326
Cleared up crimes14,282  (-9.4 %)
Detection rate in %51.1 %  (-1.2 %)

Crimes in districts

The highest number of crimes Pilsen 7,246
Karlovy Vary 4,763
The highest number of crimes/10 thousand inhabitants Pilsen 433
Karlovy Vary 387
The lowest number of crimes Rokycany 1,098
Domažlice 1,303
The highest % decrease in crimes Rokycany -18.2 %
Cheb -12.4 %

The Share of Districts in the Total Crime of West Bohemia in 2000

The development of crime in West Bohemia in 2000 was characterised by a decrease in the total number of crimes and a slight decrease in the detection rate. A total of 27,944 (-2,215) crimes were ascertained, including 14,282 (-1,489) crimes that were cleared up and the detection rate was 51.1 % (-1.2 %).

With regard to the development in individual districts there was a decrease in the number of crimes in all districts. The highest decrease was reported in the districts of Plzeň-město (-501), Cheb (-424) and Karlovy Vary (-387). The highest detection rate was achieved in the districts of Domažlice (63.6 %) and Sokolov (62.2 %).

Crime Factors in the Region

The geographic position of this region is an important factor that influences the security situation in West Bohemia (bordering on Germany, its common border with this country is 447.6 km long), which results in:

Crime Offenders

Of the total number of 14,282 crimes cleared up repeated offenders committed 5,445 crimes and their proportion of cleared up crime was 38.1 %. These repeated offenders committed 4,166 crimes (i.e. 44.0 %) common crimes. Repeated offenders committed 520 (i.e. 34.9 %) of the total violent crimes cleared up, including 10 cases of murder and 73 cases where the offenders were classified as robbers. A high ratio of repeated offenders was recorded for burglaries, in particular burglaries of weekend houses, where they committed 366 crimes of a total of 485 crimes cleared up (i.e.. 75.5 %). In addition, repeated offenders were involved in 89 (i.e. 66.4 %) of burglaries of shops and 72 of crimes, i.e. 64.9 % involving restaurants and pubs. Repeated offenders committed 544 economic crimes, which is 20.7 % of the total 2,631 crimes cleared up.

Foreigners committed 948 crimes in total in 2000, which is 6.6 % of the total number of crimes cleared up. The highest number of crimes were committed by Ukrainians (200), Slovaks (187), Vietnamese (187) and Germans (94). The type of crimes committed by individual nation groups: Ukrainians committed mainly offences obstructing an official decision (65), falsification and changing public deeds (24) and robberies (13), Slovaks mainly committed various kinds of thefts (47), desertion (23) and obstructing an official decision (22), Vietnamese committed mainly economic crimes, mainly the violation of copyrights (77) and violation of rights to a registered trademark (45), Germans committed 18 crimes related to traffic accidents and in cases they were ascertained as having committed crimes related to non-payment of tax, insurance and contribution for state policy of unemployment and in 5 cases of crimes of carnal abuse

Juvenile Crime

Juveniles committed 1,777 cleared up crimes, which is 12.4 % of the total number of cases solved. Of this number juveniles committed 190 violent crimes. In one case a young person committed the crime of attempted homicide where the motive was personal relations. Juveniles played a considerable role in robberies (65 cleared up cases representing 36.3 %). A high proportion of juveniles were involved in carnal abuse; 31.3 % and crimes against property; 1,359 committed crimes representing 21.9 %. Of this number, 174 cases of theft of items from cars were reported of the 596 cases cleared up (i.e. 29.2 %) and for the theft of cars offenders were ascertained in 106 cases (i.e. 30.2 %). With regard to other crimes, 53.3 % of juveniles participated in crimes related to the spreading of alarming information where in 15 cases cleared up 8 offenders were juveniles. A high proportion of juveniles were involved in the illegal production and possession of narcotics and psychotronic substances and poisons where 22 crimes representing 15.5 % of 142 cases were cleared up.

Migration3

In 2000 there was a slight increase in the illegal migration of persons from the countries of Eastern Europe. An increased number of refugee stowaways was recorded (travelling in cisterns, trucks, etc.) and persons travelling with changed or false documents.

The number of persons transported from the Czech Republic to Germany for illegally crossing the national border or other criminal activities

 

1999

2000

difference in %

Citizens of Germany

29

51

+75.9

Other foreigners

31

29

-6.5

Total

60

80

+33.3

The number of persons transported from Germany to the Czech Republic for illegally crossing the national border or other criminal activities

 

1999

2000

difference in %

Citizens of the CR

293

223

-23.9

Other foreigners

2,290

2,531

+10.5

Total

2,583

2,754

+6.6

In 2000 departments of the Border Police investigated 1,068 persons who tried to illegally cross the national border with Germany.

A detention camp for foreigners in Balková, in the district of Plzeň-sever was full of foreigners returned to the Czech Republic according to agreements between Germany and the Czech Republic. The number of foreigners who, after being placed in a special facility for the purpose of administrative deportation, applied for asylum in the Czech Republic increased. After their relocation to a refugee centre (Červený Újezd, Zastávka u Brna) the applicant for refugee status left these facilities and again tried to illegally cross the national border to Germany.

Drugs

210 drugs offences (-69) were ascertained in the West Bohemian region . In 145 cases this concerned the illegal production and possession of narcotics and psychotronic substances and poisons, 65 cases involved the spreading of drug addiction. 206 cases were cleared up, i.e. 98.1 %. The most frequently used drugs are marihuana and pervitin, and to a lesser extent ecstasy, heroin, LSD – trips and in extraordinary cases cocaine. It is evident from the total number of crimes that the amendment of the Criminal Code in 1998 (the possession of a drug for one’s own use is considered a crime) did affect the number of ascertained crimes.

Organised Crime

The development of criminality did not change substantially in 2000. ÚOOZ arrested organised groups extorting so-called ”ransom” from Ukrainians and a group of Kosovo-Albanians that were being searched for in many European countries. In relation to Ukrainian inhabitants information has been gathered about racketeering in erotic clubs, as well as in normal firms which employ Ukrainian citizens. In 2000, the Police from the ÚOOZ Branch in Pilsen investigated 234 crimes (+18), and 150 persons (+22), including 51 foreigners (+11).

Crimes with an Extremist Subtext

9 crimes of an extremist were committed, they were classified as the aspersion of nation, race and conviction and 11 crimes classified as supporting and promoting movements directed at suppressing rights and freedoms. Most of these crimes were committed by inhabitants of Vietnam who offered music CDs with texts promoting race and national intolerance. In 2000 in West Bohemia 2 meetings of supporters of skinhead movement took place (in the district of Karlovy Vary and Cheb) and 4 events of left-wing oriented groups (3x in the district of Pilsen -město and 1x in the district of Domažlice).

Crimes against Property

In 2000 19,461 crimes against property were recorded, a decrease of 805 cases. With regard to crimes against property there was a decrease in the number of burglaries (-657) and common thefts (-106). The highest number of crimes against property involved thefts of items from cars (3,155), theft of cars (1,576), burglaries of weekend houses (1,304) and damage of items (991). In total 6,211 crimes were cleared up, i.e. 31.9 % (+0.3 %).

Despite the fact that in 2000 there was a decrease of 319 in the thefts of cars, 1,576 cars were stolen in the territory of the West Bohemian region. The highest number of cars stolen, as in previous years, was reported in the districts of Pilsen-město, K. Vary and Cheb, on the other hand, the least number of thefts occurred in the districts of Rokycany and Pilsen-sever. 351 cases were cleared up and the detection rate was 22.3 %. The most frequently stolen cars were Škoda (all types), VW, Audi, Mercedes, Peugeot and BMW. In most cases the offenders were interested in cars owned by foreigners. As in the case of stolen cars, in the theft of items from cars there was a decrease of 467 crimes. In total, in the territory of West Bohemia, 3,155 crimes were committed and the detection rate was 18.9 %. The highest number of crimes was reported in the districts of Pilsen-město, Karlovy Vary and Cheb.

The number of burglaries of flats, weekend houses and other facilities decreased slightly in 2000. 679 (-78) burglaries from flats were reported, and 1,304 (-193) weekend houses. For burglaries of flats the detection rate was 34.5 %, burglaries of weekend houses 37.2 %. The damage caused by burglaries of flats was CZK 31 million and by burglaries of weekend houses CZK 21 million. In 2000, there was a decrease in the number of burglaries from facilities used for business where the offenders were mainly interested in safes.

Economic Crimes

2,689 economic crimes were recorded, which represents a decrease of 924 cases (i.e. –25.6 %). The level of damage decreased by CZK 4.7 billion (i.e. –76.2 %) to CZK 1,481 million. 2,631 crimes were cleared up and the detection rate was 97.8 %. From the viewpoint of the structure of economic crimes the highest number were frauds 1,111 (i.e. 41,3 %), embezzlement 431 (i.e. 16.0 %) and falsification and changing of public deeds 196 (i.e. 7.3 %).

An analysis of the types of economic crimes performed in 2000 shows that its most qualified forms are in the tax field and the financial sector. In the area of taxes the most serious crimes are committed in relation to the illegal import of spirits. In 2000 10 persons were investigated concerning the illegal import of spirits with the non-payment of CZK 288,620,000 of tax. In banking two offenders committed a crime – fraud. Using the Internet they submitted an order for the transfer of CZK 60 million of financial funds maintained at KB Sokolov to an account maintained by Expandia banka. Because the interbank code was used for the transfer of the funds, the transfer was carried out despite the fact that it was not financially covered.

There were also cases related to the misuse of confidential information where owners of firms or statutory bodies use their position to carry out illegal transfers of business stakes or shares. In 2000 this activity was documented, for example, in the case of the former General Manager and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the joint stock company Škoda Plzeň Ing. Lubomír Soudek and two Executives of the firm KOBAS s.r.o.

Violent Crimes

In 2000, in West Bohemia 24 (+5) murders (including attempts) were ascertained and 22 were cleared up. Robbery was the motive in the case of 7 murders and in 8 cases the motive for murder were personal relations. In three cases the murderers were foreigners and in three cases the victims were foreigners.

322 robberies were reported, which is 39 less than in 1999. 179 cases were cleared up which represents 55.6 %.

Moral Crimes

In 2000, 213 (-6) moral crimes were ascertained and their detection rate was 92.5 %. The most frequently committed crimes were: carnal abuse (86), pandering (41) and rape (40). The situation with regard to prostitution is the same as the situation in previous years. Street prostitution is characteristic in the border districts of Domažlice, Cheb, Karlovy Vary and Sokolov. Other prostitution is concentrated mainly in pensions and night clubs in which the number of prostitutes – foreigners increased. Moral crimes do not affect the security situation of this region.

Road Safety

Road safety is characterised by the development of traffic accidents from the viewpoint of their quantity and consequences.

In terms of the total number of traffic accidents, on D5 section of the highway, which is in the responsibility of the Traffic Department of the Police of the Czech Republic in Svojkovice there were 249 traffic accidents and on the same highway, which is the responsibility of the Traffic Department of the Police of the Czech Republc in Ostrov u Stříbra there were 350 traffic accidents..

Table of traffic accidents and consequences in 2000 compared to 1999

 

1999

2000

Difference in %

Traffic accidents

22,228

20,490

- 7.8

Killed

112

135

+ 20.5

Seriously injured

555

451

- 18.7

Slightly injured

2,981

2,562

- 14.1

Estimation of damages in CZK

771.2 million

740.1 million

- 4.0

The most frequent reasons for traffic accidents is incorrect manner of driving (13,266), high speed (2,691) and not giving priority when driving (2,058). In 773 cases drivers used alcohol before driving.

The main tasks of the Traffic Police were directed to influencing the negative development of the traffic accident rate in West Bohemia. At the beginning of 2000 the Police of the Czech Republic in West Bohemia announced a traffic-security measure ”Motoring Season 2000”. Traffic policemen carried out 31 transport escorts of over-sized loads and 17 escorts of various delegations. Administrative bodies of traffic inspectorates discussed 15,451 matters and in 2,569 cases prohibition of the activity was issued (including 2,093 prohibitions due to alcohol). The administrative bodies of Traffic Inspectorates issued 3,675 decisions about the holding of a driving licence.

West Bohemia - Development of Crime in 1999 and 2000 and the Year-to-Year Change in Development

  1999 2000 Change in % +/-
Total crime ascertained 30 159 27 944 -7,3
Crimes cleared up 15 771 14 282 -9,4
which accounts for % 52,3 51,1 -
Total damage ascertained (in thousand CZK) 6 208 375 1 480 847 -76,1
Secured damage (in thousand CZK) 20 480 76 979 275,9
Obecná kriminalita 24 119 22 996 -4,7
Crimes cleared up 9 908 9 460 -4,5
which accounts for % 41,1 41,1 -
Violent crime 1 883 1 705 -9,5
Crimes cleared up 1 623 1 490 -8,2
which accounts for % 86,2 87,4 -
Of which: Murders 19 24 26,3
Robberies 361 322 -10,8
Robberies from financial institutions* - -  
Intentional injury to health 509 521 2,4
Dangerous threats 273 238 -12,8
Extortion 186 143 -23,1
Moral crime 219 213 -2,7
Crimes cleared up 206 197 -4,4
which accounts for % 94,1 92,5 -
Of which: Rape 56 40 -28,6
Pandering 33 41 24,2
Crimes against property 20 266 19 461 -4,0
Crimes cleared up 6 405 6 211 -3,0
which accounts for % 31,6 31,9 -
Burglaries 6 549 5 892 -10,0
Crimes cleared up 2 002 1 721 -14,0
which accounts for % 30,6 29,2 -
Of which: to shops 576 539 -6,4
to flats }in blocks of flats* 757 388 -48,7
to weekend houses 1 497 1 304 -12,9
to familz houses* - 291  
Common thefts 11 639 11 533 -0,9
Crimes cleared up 3 128 3 256 4,1
Which accounts for % 26,9 28,2 -
Of which: motor vehicles 1 895 1 576 -16,8
items from cars 3 622 3 155 -12,9
bicycles 1 068 955 -10,6
pickpockets 392 562 43,4
Frauds 669 576 -13,9
Other crime      
Rowdyism 292 264 -9,6
Unauthorised production and possession of psychotropic substances and poisons 240 145 -39,6
Spreading of drug addiction 39 65 66,7
Frustrating executions of an official decision 744 781 5,0
Economic crime 3 613 2 689 -25,6
Crimes cleared up 3 522 2 631 -25,3
which accounts for % 97,5 97,8 -
Of which: Curtailment of taxes 179 92 -48,6
Frauds 1 489 1 111 -25,4
Embezzlement 541 431 -20,3
Infrigements of rights related to trademarks 99 51 -48,5
Infrigement of copyright 416 94 -77,4

* Monitored as independent categories up to 2000.

West Bohemia - Development of Crime in Districts in 1999 - 2000

  1999 2000 Change
District Ascert. Clear.up Crime per
10 thous.
Det.rate
in %
Ascert. Clear.up Crime per
10 thous.
Det.rate
in %
Ascert.
in %
Clear.
in %
Det.rate
in %
Domažlice 1 369 871 235 63,6 1 303 785 223 60,2 -4,8 -9,9 -3,4
Cheb 3 428 1 914 394 55,8 3 004 1 593 346 53,0 -12,4 -16,8 -2,8
Karlovy Vary 5 150 2 648 419 51,4 4 763 2 394 387 50,3 -7,5 -9,6 -1,2
Klatovy 2 661 1 347 301 50,6 2 472 1 306 280 52,8 -7,1 -3,0 2,2
Plzeň 7 747 3 264 460 42,1 7 246 2 969 433 41,0 -6,5 -9,0 -1,2
Plzeň - jih 1 686 886 250 52,6 1 653 863 244 52,2 -2,0 -2,6 -0,3
Plzeň - sever 1 794 989 246 55,1 1 663 866 228 52,1 -7,3 -12,4 -3,1
Rokycany 1 342 791 293 58,9 1 098 616 241 56,1 -18,2 -22,1 -2,8
Sokolov 3 135 1 949 330 62,2 2 908 1 829 306 62,9 -7,2 -6,2 0,7
Tachov 1 847 1 112 360 60,2 1 830 1 057 356 57,8 -0,9 -4,9 -2,4
Total 30 159 15 771 352 52,3 27 944 14 282 326 51,1 -7,3 -9,4 -1,2

 


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