Security Situation in the Territory of North Moravia in 2000
Area (km2): | 11 068 |
Population: | 1 961 537 |
Unemployment: | 10,30 |
Density: | 177 |
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 | 69 787 | 31 053 | 44,5 | 66 206 | 32 042 | 48,4 | 60 932 | 31 311 | 51,4 |
Development changes | 3 869 | 1962 | +0,4 | -3581 | +989 | +3,9 | -5274 | -731 | +3,0 |
Violent crimes | 5 644 | 4 696 | 83,2 | 5 464 | 4 637 | 84,9 | 5 560 | 4 774 | 85,9 |
Murders | 52 | 49 | 94,2 | 38 | 34 | 89,5 | 32 | 29 | 90,6 |
Robberies | 786 | 406 | 51,7 | 797 | 441 | 55,3 | 818 | 448 | 54,8 |
Moral crimes | 423 | 369 | 87,2 | 323 | 285 | 88,2 | 336 | 294 | 87,5 |
Rape | 161 | 136 | 84,5 | 107 | 88 | 82,2 | 102 | 82 | 80,4 |
Crimes against property | 51 166 | 14 604 | 28,5 | 46 486 | 13 982 | 30,1 | 41 195 | 12 946 | 31,4 |
Total burglaries | 16 760 | 4 118 | 24,6 | 14 754 | 3 886 | 26,3 | 41 195 | 12 946 | 31,4 |
Burglaries of flats | 2 150 | 531 | 24,7 | 1 886 | 558 | 29,6 | 973 | 386 | 39,7 |
Burglaries of weekend houses | 1 715 | 621 | 36,2 | 1 533 | 477 | 31,1 | 1 169 | 416 | 35,6 |
Total common thefts | 30 427 | 8 326 | 27,4 | 27 444 | 7 909 | 28,8 | 24 942 | 7 400 | 29,7 |
Pickpockets | 1 091 | 176 | 16,1 | 1 025 | 218 | 21,3 | 1 082 | 195 | 18,0 |
Car thefts | 3 112 | 872 | 28,0 | 2 528 | 622 | 24,6 | 1 868 | 505 | 27,0 |
Thefts of cars | 12 301 | 2 848 | 23,2 | 11 038 | 2 746 | 24,9 | 8 669 | 1 873 | 21,6 |
Bicycle thefts | 3 776 | 610 | 16,2 | 3 029 | 529 | 17,5 | 2 629 | 539 | 20,5 |
Economic crimes | 4 592 | 3 948 | 86,0 | 5 851 | 5 500 | 94,0 | 6 251 | 6 031 | 96,5 |
Embezzlement | 838 | 829 | 98,9 | 1 038 | 1 033 | 99,5 | 1 046 | 1 038 | 99,2 |
Fraud | 1 912 | 1 858 | 97,2 | 2 923 | 2 884 | 98,7 | 2 877 | 2 838 | 98,6 |
North Moravia in 2000
Crimes
Total crimes | 60,932 (-8.0 %) |
Total crimes per 100 thousand inhabitants | 311 |
Crimes cleared up | 31,311 (-2.3 %) |
Detection rate in % | 51.4 % (+3.0 %) |
Crimes in districts
The highest number of crimes | Ostrava 16,319 Karviná 9,205 |
The highest number of crimes per 10 thousand inhabitants | Ostrava 508 Olomouc 333 |
The lowest number of crimes | Jeseník 1,151 Šumperk 2,355 |
The highest % increase in crimes | Jeseník +7.1 % Přerov +7.0 % |
The lowest % decrease in crimes | Frýdek-Místek -15.5 % Ostrava -13.0 % |
The Share of Districts in Crimes in North Moravia in 2000
In 2000, in the North Moravian region there was a decrease in the number of crimes to 60,932 crimes (-7.97%), in absolute numbers this is the 2nd highest rate of crimes in the Czech Republic (after the Capital City of Prague). 31,311 crimes were solved (the highest number within the Czech Republic) and the detection rate was 51.4 % (+3.0 %), which is the highest detection rate in the region.
Most districts reported a decrease in total crimes; the highest decrease was in the districts of Frýdek-Místek (-15,5 %), Ostrava (-13 %) and Olomouc (-12,9 %). A lower increase was reported in the districts of Jeseník (+7.1 %), Přerov (+6.9 %) and Nový Jičín (+1.5 %). In all districts the detection rate increased, from +0.5 % in Jeseníku to 5.8 % in the district of Karviná. The highest numbers of crimes per 10 thousand inhabitants were reported in the districts of Ostrava, Olomouc, Karviná and Přerov.
Criminal Factors in the Region
The basic criminal factors are characterised by the territory of the North Moravian region and its position within the Czech Republic, which are:
The highest concentration of heavy and mining industry in the Czech Republic with all the consequent influences on ecological, residential and social problems.
The structure of the population and its high concentration multiplied by the growth of unemployment in all districts of the region, the highest in the Czech Republic – the risk of the origination of social crime.
Large housing estates with an outdated construction-technical fund and traffic system with a devastating ecological impact on the air, water and the whole countryside.
Border position with Poland and the Slovak Republic related to the high legal, and illegal migration (high number of border crossings).
Crime Offenders
Repeated offenders represent a serious problem not only from the viewpoint of the proportion (41,8 %), but also the ”qualification” of committed crimes. Compared to 1999, their proportion increased by +0.8 %. They committed 13,090 cleared up crimes, which is a decrease of 51 crimes.
This category reported the highest number of crimes, e.g. for crimes of violence to public authorities – policeman (+75 %), theft of car parts (+65 %) and the spread of drug addiction (+141 %). In total, repeated offenders were involved in 32.9 % of violent crimes, 34 % of moral crimes, 49.4 % of common thefts and 62.8% of burglaries. They have the highest rate of murders (17.4 %), burglaries (52 %), violation of a public authority – policeman (41.2 %), threats (32.9 %), racketeering (37.2 %), rape (40.2 %), carnal abuse 32 % and trade in women (50 %). There is high rate of the illegal production and possession of psychotropic substances and poisons (53.4 %) and the spread of drug addiction (42 %). Most crimes concern burglaries of restaurants (74.%), shops (74.2 %), weekend houses (73.3 %), flats (72.5 %) schools (64.9 %). Thefts mostly concerned cars (55.6 %), parts from cars (47.9 %) and bicycles (50.8 %). Their proportion of violent crimes increased by 6%. Their participation in the theft of car parts increased considerably (+65 %) and in common thefts this participation increased by 8%. Only the total number burglaries decreased, by 20 %. A considerable increase in economic crimes was reported, their proportion is 33 %, an increase of 11 %. Increases were reported for frauds (+52 %), the non-payment of taxes and insurance (+148 %), and loan frauds (+278 %).
Foreigners committed a total of 1,204 cleared up crimes (+2.2 %) and their proportion in the spectrum of offenders is 3.9 % (+0.2 %). In 2000 (as well as in 1999) the highest numbers of cases were reported in Karvina 322 (+21.5 %) and in Ostrava 256 (-3 %). The highest numbers of crimes were committed by inhabitants from the Slovak Republic (646, i.e. +4.2 %), Poland (194, i.e. +37.6 %), Ukraine (96, i.e. –32.4 %) and Vietnam (70, i.e. +9.4 %). Crimes of foreigners involved mainly common thefts, 240 crimes (+18.8 %), and economic crimes, 234 crimes (+7.3 %) and other crimes, 150 crimes. They committed 172 crimes (-12.2 %).
There were 2,641 crimes committed under the influence of alcohol, 8.4 % (+0.4 %) of the total cleared up crimes. The influence of alcohol in violent crime was 1,211, i.e. +88, and there was a serious proportion of 21 % murders committed and 26.8 % of crimes related to causing intentional bodily harm.
Juvenile Crime
Children’s involvement in crimes cleared up decreased by 2.1 % to 8.2 %, i.e. a decrease of 710 (-5.2 %) crimes and their number was 5,581. Juvenile crime stagnated at 8.9 %, and the number of crimes decreased slightly by 43 crimes to 2,796.
Offenders – children were frequently involved in common thefts (1,428 crimes, i.e. –33.3 %), for qualified crimes there is a considerable difference, in particular burglaries (589 crimes, i.e. +9.5 %) and 257 for violent crimes. The number of burglaries committed by children increased by 14 cases (+22.9 %) to 75 cases and this is an unfavourable statistical index. There was positive development in common thefts (-33.3 %), in particular a decrease in thefts of items from cars of 44 % and pickpockets of 61 %. On the contrary, there was a negative increase in burglaries of 9 %, and in 2000 burglaries of weekend houses committed by children increased by 218 %. The highest proportion of crimes committed by children involved thefts of items from cars, 47.3 %; thefts of parts from cars 29 % and 20 % for pickpockets. They were also involved in 27.5 % of burglaries of stands, 31 % of burglaries of schools, 19.3 % of burglaries of family houses and 18.7 % of burglaries from shop windows.
Offenders-juveniles committed 1,273 (-3.6 %) common thefts, and 676 (-13.4 %) burglaries. There was an increase of 8.3 % in violent crimes, 314 crimes. There was also an increase in other crimes (+35 %) and violent crimes (+8.1 %). Juveniles were involved in 23 % of burglaries and 12 % of racketeering. A high proportion of juveniles were involved in the theft of motorcycles (51.2 %), thefts of parts from cars (30.1 %) and theft of cars (29,1 %). This category reported a decrease in the burglary of restaurants (-55 %), burglaries of shops (-29 %) and kiosks (-27 %). A decrease was also reported in the thefts of cars (-21 %) and items from cars.
Migration6
In 2000, in the area of national borders of North Moravia 1,516 persons were investigated in relation to the protection of the national border, including 427 persons (-216) who violated the national border regime of the national border with Slovakia and 1,089 persons (+289) with Poland. 245 persons were handed over to authorities of the neighbouring country for illegally crossing the national border, fines were applied in 171 cases, a warning was given to 208 persons and 48 persons were handed over to investigators. In relation to the protection of the national border, the Border Police confiscated illegal goods in 29 cases with a total value of CZK 3.6 million.
On the border crossings used for small cross border contact the Border Police inspected 1.333 million persons. 2,329 persons were not permitted to enter the Czech Republic, 2.837 persons were not permitted to enter Poland and 285 were arrested for illegally crossing the national border at border crossings for small border contacts. On border crossings at tourist sections 181,303 were inspected, 22 persons were not permitted to enter the Czech Republic, 8 persons were not permitted to exit the Czech Republic and 13 persons were arrested at these crossings for illegally crossing the national border.
In 2000 the Border Police arrested 93 persons who were being investigated, 5 persons indicated in INO and 14 means of transport under investigation. The Border Police investigated 1,057 crimes, including 14 related to the protection of the national border. In addition, 4,117 offences were investigated, including 901 related to the protection of the national border.
Drugs
155 (+47.6 %) crimes of spreading drug addiction were reported and 33 (-12) persons were prosecuted: 42 % repeated offenders, 4.5 % children and 18.7% juveniles. 270 cases (+11.1 %) of the illegal production and possession of narcotics and psychotropic substances and poisons, were reported, 263 (+40) persons were prosecuted: 44 % repeated offenders, 3.3% children and 16.3 % juveniles. It is possible to state that there is an increase in the occurrence and consumption of drugs in North Moravia, an increase in the number of crimes and a stabilisation of the high detection rate. The composition of drugs has changed considerably, the most often used hard drugs are pervitin and heroin; soft drugs are marihuana and partially common durman.
In the regional city and all district cities anti-drug commissions have been established with the participation of experts from the Police of the Czech Republic.
A serious case investigated by the Organised Crime Section in collaboration with the central unit for combating organised crime in October 2000 involved a married couple from Havířov, who sold about 1.5 kg of heroin with a value of CZK 1.5 million. Both were in contact with foreigners organising the distribution of heroin with a value of CZK 4.5 million.
Organised Crime
The region has the highest number of violent crimes in the Czech Republic (organised groups are from Ukraine, Armenia, Chechnya, Russia, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria) – organised groups are involved mainly in enforcement of receivables and ”racketeering” concerning owners of businesses. Thanks to the efforts of the Police there was a lower occurrence of the falsification and distribution of banknotes, the drug trade was dominated by groups of Kosovo Albanians who at present often use the possibility of political asylum. ÚOOZ Branch in Ostrava investigated 78 crimes (-8), 173 persons (+50), including 29 foreigners (+9) in 2000.
Crimes with and Extremist Subtext
The Police reported a total of 29 racially motivated attacks, which means certain stagnation. An increase in the number of crimes of aspersion of race, nation and conviction (36 +16) was reported and the number of crimes related to the support and propagation of movements remained at the same level (19). There was a slight decrease in crimes of incitement to racial and national hatred 5 (-1). In relation to cases of an extremist character, 84 crimes and 113 persons were prosecuted.
Crime against property
A total of 41,195 (-11.4 %) crimes against property were reported, 67.6 %. 12,946 (-1,036) crimes were cleared; a detection rate of 31.4 % (+1.4 %). A decrease of 19 % was reported in burglaries (the highest rates were in the districts of Ostrava, Karviná, Frýdek-Místek), as well as a decrease of 9.1 % in common thefts (with a decisive ratio in the districts of Ostrava, Olomouc and Frýdek-Místek).
A decrease was also reported for burglaries of restaurants (-30.8 %), shops (-17.1 %), shop windows (-16.4 %), kiosks (-19.8 %), weekend houses of private persons (-23.7 %) and flats (-13 %). In the category of common thefts there was a decrease mainly in cars (-26.1 %), items from cars (-21.5 %) and bicycles (-13,2 %). On the contrary, there was an increase of pickpockets (+5.6 %) and thefts from other facilities. An increase in frauds was also reported (+12.3 %). Crimes against property has a permanently series character and are committed in other territories.
Economic Crime
The number of 6,251 reported economic crimes means an increase of 400 crimes, i.e. 6.8% (the highest rates were in the districts of Olomouc and Nový Jičín). 6,031 (+9.7 %) reported crimes were cleared up, a detection rate of 96.5 % (+2.5 %). In 2000, damage caused by these crimes increased by more than CZK 791 million to CZK 3,093,319 thousand. A high increase was reported in loan frauds (+264 %), unpaid tax, insurance and contributions to social and health insurance (+68.5 %), insurance frauds (+48.6 %) and breaches of obligations during the administration of property (+38.8 %).
The Police ascertained the criminal offences committed by 4 persons in the Co-operative Credit Banks which caused damage of CZK 536 million and 6 persons in +CS Moravian Co-operative Savings Bank with damages of CZK 550 million. In 2000, new forms of crime were reported, e.g. the use of so-called ”timeless telephone cards”. This is electronically modified telephone card, which after calling certain units is charged again – 7 cases were ascertained mainly in Ostrava and Olomouc which caused damage of CZK 1 million. In the district of Karvina a 3-member group of offenders was investigated for the misuse of 40 mail vouchers with a withdrawal of at least CZK 75,000. This is a highly organised and highly qualified crime.
Violent Crimes
5,560 violent crimes were committed, an increase of 1.8 % and permanently the highest rate in the Czech Republic. 4,774 crimes were cleared up i.e. 85.9 % (+1%). 13.1 % of cases of violent crime recorded were committed with the use of gun, which is a considerable increase (+70 crimes, i.e.+10.6%), which is a very serious element.
The Police increased the detection rate of murders to 90.6% (+1.2%), when 29 cases were cleared up of a total number of 32 (-6) reported cases. Repeated offenders were involved in 5 cases of murder (17.2%). On 7 February 2000 there was a serious case of the murder of a policeman (Ing. Škorňok) while driving a car with the consequent effort of the offender to liquidate the body in a bestial manner. Thanks to the successful work of the police, the offender Kocur was arrested the same day.
832 (+4.4 %) burglaries were reported and the detection rate was 55.0 % (-0.3 %). 162 burglaries were committed with the use of a gun. Repeated offenders were involved in 240 crimes, i.e. 52.4 % of the cases cleared up. Similarly, the number of children involved in burglaries should be taken as a warning and represents 75 (+14), i.e. 16.4 % cases, juveniles 101 (-9), i.e. 22.1 % of crimes. The number of reported cases of causing intentional bodily harm is 2,700 (-4.4%), which is 37.5% of nation-wide cases. The detection rate was increased to 89.7 % (+0.7 %). The highest proportion involved repeated offenders (27.2%). The number of crimes of assaults on a public official – policeman increased substantially to 156 (+50 %), with a detection rate of 98.1%. The highest proportion also involved repeated offenders, 41.2%. The number of crimes of dangerous threats increased to 582 (+24.1%) with a detection rate of 89.4% (+1.4%).
Moral Crime
Of the total number of 336 moral crimes (+4 %) 87.5 % were cleared up. There were 102 (-5) rapes, including 80.4 % cleared up. The number of reported cases of carnal abuse increased to 156 (+24), including 90.4 % cleared up – 32% of repeated offenders is evident. The number of cases of carnal abuse with dependence decreased by 14%. Prostitution remains a local problem mainly in the surroundings of the border crossings at Český Těšín.
Road Safety
In 2000 there was a decrease in the number of traffic accidents to 29,992 cases (-9 %). The number of persons killed decreased by 1 to a total of 225. The main reason for traffic accident with fatal consequences is the four-lane non-divided roads. The number of serious injuries was 831, a decrease of 81 (-8.8 %). 4.339 cases of slight injuries were reported, a decrease of 339 (-7 %). From the viewpoint of reasons for traffic accidents the most frequent reason is incorrect driving, 58 %. This is followed by excessive speed (15.9 %) and not giving priority when driving, 14.4 %. Compared to 1999 all mentioned items reported a decrease. Drivers of cars committed a total of 27,131 traffic accidents (-10 %), pedestrians 419 (-100) and children 170 (-56).
At the same time there was decrease in the number of traffic accidents caused by the influence of alcohol to 1,568 (-159). In the administrative proceedings 4,360 offences against road security committed under the influence of alcohol were solved with the application of fines with a value of CZK 36.7 million. 8,640 OTP were investigated within the activities of the Traffic Police.
The North Moravian region - development of crime in 1999 and 2000 and the year-to-year change in develoment
1999 | 2000 | Change in % +/- | |
Total crime ascertained | 66 206 | 60 932 | -8,0 |
Crimes cleared up | 32 042 | 31 311 | -2,3 |
which accounts for % | 48,4 | 51,4 | - |
Total damage ascertained (in thousand CZK) | 3 891 154 | 4 271 884 | 9,8 |
Secured damage (in thousand CZK) | 44 477 | 38 188 | -14,1 |
Obecná kriminalita | 55 085 | 49 904 | -9,4 |
Crimes cleared up | 21 553 | 20 685 | -4,0 |
which accounts for % | 39,1 | 41,4 | - |
Violent crime | 5 464 | 5 560 | 1,8 |
Crimes cleared up | 4 637 | 4 774 | 3,0 |
which accounts for % | 84,9 | 85,9 | - |
Of which: Murders | 38 | 32 | -15,8 |
Robberies | 797 | 818 | 2,6 |
Robberies from financial institutions* | - | 14 | |
Intentional injury to health | 2 823 | 2 700 | -4,4 |
Dangerous threats | 469 | 582 | 24,1 |
Extortion | 399 | 376 | -5,8 |
Moral crime | 323 | 336 | 4,0 |
Crimes cleared up | 285 | 294 | 3,2 |
which accounts for % | 88,2 | 87,5 | - |
Of which: Rape | 107 | 102 | -4,7 |
Pandering | 16 | 5 | -68,8 |
Crimes against property | 46 486 | 41 195 | -11,4 |
Crimes cleared up | 13 982 | 12 946 | -7,4 |
which accounts for % | 30,1 | 31,4 | - |
Burglaries | 14 754 | 11 944 | -19,0 |
Crimes cleared up | 3 886 | 3 167 | -18,5 |
which accounts for % | 26,3 | 26,5 | - |
Of which: to shops | 1 126 | 933 | -17,1 |
to flats }in blocks of flats* | 1 886 | 973 | -48,4 |
to weekend houses | 1 533 | 1 169 | -23,7 |
to familz houses* | - | 668 | |
Common thefts | 27 444 | 24 942 | -9,1 |
Crimes cleared up | 7 909 | 7 400 | -6,4 |
Which accounts for % | 28,8 | 29,7 | - |
Of which: motor vehicles | 2 528 | 1 868 | -26,1 |
items from cars | 11 038 | 8 669 | -21,5 |
bicycles | 3 029 | 2 629 | -13,2 |
pickpockets | 1 025 | 1 082 | 5,6 |
Frauds | 1 357 | 1 524 | 12,3 |
Other crime | |||
Rowdyism | 529 | 549 | 3,8 |
Unauthorised production and possession of psychotropic substances and poisons | 243 | 270 | 11,1 |
Spreading of drug addiction | 105 | 155 | 47,6 |
Frustrating executions of an official decision | 1 094 | 977 | -10,7 |
Economic crime | 5 851 | 6 251 | 6,8 |
Crimes cleared up | 5 500 | 6 031 | 9,7 |
which accounts for % | 94,0 | 96,5 | - |
Of which: Curtailment of taxes | 189 | 143 | -24,3 |
Frauds | 2 923 | 2 877 | -1,6 |
Embezzlement | 1 038 | 1 046 | 0,8 |
Infrigements of rights related to trademarks | 106 | 96 | -9,4 |
Infrigement of copyright | 75 | 62 | -17,3 |
* Monitored as independent categories up to 2000.
The North Moravian region - 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 % |
Bruntál | 2 640 | 1 497 | 249 | 56,7 | 2 551 | 1 491 | 241 | 58,4 | -3,4 | -0,4 | 1,7 |
Frýdek - Míst. | 6 069 | 2 854 | 265 | 47,0 | 5 128 | 2 528 | 225 | 49,3 | -15,5 | -11,4 | 2,3 |
Karviná | 10 325 | 4 713 | 364 | 45,6 | 9 205 | 4 733 | 325 | 51,4 | -10,8 | 0,4 | 5,8 |
Nový Jičín | 3 960 | 1 954 | 245 | 49,3 | 4 021 | 2 196 | 249 | 54,6 | 1,5 | 12,4 | 5,3 |
Olomouc | 8 621 | 3 650 | 382 | 42,3 | 7 512 | 3 402 | 333 | 45,3 | -12,9 | -6,8 | 2,9 |
Opava | 4 611 | 2 456 | 254 | 53,3 | 4 568 | 2 513 | 251 | 55,0 | -0,9 | 2,3 | 1,7 |
Ostrava | 18 753 | 9 045 | 582 | 48,2 | 16 319 | 8 088 | 508 | 49,6 | -13,0 | -10,6 | 1,3 |
Přerov | 4 239 | 2 253 | 309 | 53,1 | 4 534 | 2 452 | 332 | 54,1 | 7,0 | 8,8 | 0,9 |
Šumperk | 2 357 | 1 289 | 185 | 54,7 | 2 355 | 1 348 | 185 | 57,2 | -0,1 | 4,6 | 2,6 |
Vsetín | 3 556 | 1 694 | 240 | 47,6 | 3 587 | 1 871 | 242 | 52,2 | 0,9 | 10,4 | 4,5 |
Jeseník | 1075 | 637 | 251 | 59,3 | 1151 | 688 | 270 | 59,8 | 7,1 | 8,0 | 0,5 |
Total | 66 206 | 32 042 | 337 | 48,4 | 60 932 | 31 311 | 311 | 51,4 | -8,0 | -2,3 | 3,0 |