Security Situation in the Territory of the Capital City of Prague in 2000
Area (km2): 496 |
![]() |
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 crimes |
114,070 |
34,450 |
30.2 |
120,166 |
37,642 |
31.3 |
106.974 |
27,974 |
26.2 |
||
Development changes |
+9829 |
+5,909 |
+2.8 |
+6096 |
+3,192 |
+1.1 |
-13192 |
-9668 |
-5 |
||
Violent crimes |
3,734 |
2,259 |
60.5 |
3,953 |
2,.070 |
52.4 |
3,650 |
1,867 |
51.2 |
||
Murders |
62 |
47 |
75.8 |
64 |
52 |
81.3 |
49 |
35 |
71.4 |
||
Robberies |
1,420 |
371 |
26.1 |
1,845 |
379 |
20.5 |
1,790 |
369 |
20.6 |
||
Moral crimes |
650 |
587 |
90.3 |
382 |
328 |
85.9 |
173 |
141 |
81.5 |
||
Rape |
118 |
81 |
68.6 |
115 |
85 |
73.9 |
58 |
37 |
63.8 |
||
Crimes against property |
94,761 |
18,113 |
19.1 |
98,420 |
19,800 |
20.1 |
90,058 |
14,383 |
16.0 |
||
Total burglaries |
16,616 |
1,719 |
10.3 |
17.261 |
1,532 |
8.9 |
14,885 |
1,470 |
9.9 |
||
Burglaries of flats |
3,732 |
402 |
10.8 |
4,.219 |
383 |
9.1 |
2,972 |
305 |
10.3 |
||
Burglaries of weekend houses |
695 |
130 |
18.7 |
850 |
151 |
17.8 |
540 |
92 |
17.0 |
||
Common thefts |
64,506 |
7,090 |
11.0 |
65.175 |
7,313 |
11.2 |
64,114 |
6,872 |
10.7 |
||
Pickpockets |
6,335 |
266 |
4.2 |
6.462 |
304 |
4.7 |
6,807 |
423 |
6.2 |
||
Car thefts |
9,766 |
582 |
6.0 |
10.420 |
437 |
4.2 |
9,930 |
373 |
3.8 |
||
Thefts from cars |
29,119 |
2,114 |
7.3 |
27.797 |
2,094 |
7.5 |
27,338 |
2,009 |
7.3 |
||
Bicycle thefts |
1,265 |
98 |
7.7 |
852 |
79 |
9.3 |
615 |
51 |
8.3 |
||
Economic crimes |
7,269 |
6,812 |
93.7 |
7.119 |
6,508 |
91.4 |
6,188 |
5,678 |
91.8 |
||
Embezzlement |
1,286 |
1,281 |
99.6 |
1,387 |
1.386 |
99.9 |
978 |
974 |
99.6 |
||
Fraud |
2,819 |
2,808 |
99.6 |
2,068 |
2.061 |
99.7 |
1,324 |
1,312 |
99.1 |
Capital City of Prague in 2000
Crime
Total crime | 106,974 (-11.0 %) |
Crime per 10,000 inhabitants | 901 |
Number of crimes cleared up | 27,974 (-25.7 %) |
Detection rate | 26,2 (-5.2 %) |
Crime in Prague districts
The highest number of crimes | Prague 4 21,335 Prague 1 14,492 |
The highest number of crimes / 10,000 inhabitants | Prague 1 4,074 Prague 2 1,776 |
The lowest number of crimes | Prague 7 5,455 Prague 3 6,765 |
The highest decrease in crimes | Prague 8 -20.2 % Prague 4 -15.0 % |
The Share of Districts in Total Crimes in the Capital City of Prague in 2000
Prague has remained, in the long-term, in 1st place in the Czech Republic in terms of crimes recorded and in the last place according to the detection rate percentage. Total crimes in 2000, unlike previous periods characterised by great increases, recorded a considerable decrease in detected crimes. In 2000, in Prague a total of 106,974 (-11.0 %) crimes were detected, including 27,974 (-25.7 %) cleared up crimes and the detection rate was 26.2 % (-5.2 %). An additional number of 989 (+10.3 %) crimes were subsequently cleared up.
In terms of crime Prague 4 remained in first place with 1/5 share of total crime (19.9%) and this district reported the highest number of crimes cleared up (4,710 crimes). Prague 4 was followed by Prague 1 with a proportion of 13.5%. The lowest number of crimes was reported in the district of Prague 7 (5,455 crimes) and Prague 3 (6,765 crimes). The highest detection rate, 36.0%, was achieved by Prague 3 followed by Prague 7 with a 35.8% detection rate. The lowest detection rate was in Prague 4 (22.1%) and Prague 10 (23.5%).
Offenders
The total number of persons prosecuted in Prague for committing a crime was 15,425 (+0.4%). Repeated offenders committed 10,981 (+1.2%) crimes, i.e. 39.3% (+10.5%) of the total crimes cleared up. They made up a total of 36.7% (+6.1%) of prosecuted persons. The highest share of 82.3% (+12.3) was for burglaries and 47.9% (+5.2%) for ordinary theft. 1,881 foreigners were prosecuted and their share of prosecuted persons was 12.2% (-0.9%), they committed 3,258 crimes (-44.6%). The highest numbers of crimes were committed by inhabitants of Ukraine (684), Slovakia (488), Bulgaria (410), Vietnam (288), Tunis (285), Algeria (142) and Russia (131) .
Juvenile Crime
Juveniles committed 2,971 (-8.6 %) crimes, which represents 10.6 % (+2,0 %) of the total cleared up crimes. In total 1,229 (-2.1 %) juveniles were prosecuted and they made up 8.0 % (-0.2 %) of prosecuted persons. With regard to individual types of crimes, the highest number of offences by juveniles was crimes against property where they committed 2,126 crimes (-5,0%) ; a share of 14.8 % (+3.5 %). Children committed 1,512 (-5.7 %) crimes and their share was 5.4 % (+1.2 %) of cleared up crimes. The highest number of offences was theft from cars - 336 crimes.
Migration1
;The illegal employment of foreigners continues, in particular from Ukraine and Belarus. ”Clients” ensure the necessary documents (in particular, a voucher and invitation) for travelling to the Czech Republic for applicants for work in the Czech Republic in their domestic countries. ”Clients” for ”rabochie” (workers) ensure jobs and organize their accommodation – for example, accommodation in facilities leased by them or Russian-Ukrainian companies. To document crimes of ”clients” is a problem: unauthorised business activities pursuant to Sec. 118(1,2) a) of the Criminal Code and extortion pursuant to provisions of Sec. 235(1) of the Criminal Code. Aggrieved persons (foreigners) do not want to provide statements in any case because they fear for their security.
Inspections of mass accommodation facilities do not bring the same results as in the past. Most accommodated persons have their stay residential arrangements in order. In 2000 KPE Department carried out 907 inspections of accommodation facilities, 55 control events directed at unauthorised earning activities and 1,563 other inspections directed to the keeping of the residential regime.
The new legal regulations of Act No. 325/1999 Coll., on Asylum allows a foreigner to apply for asylum in a facility used for collecting together aliens for the purpose of administrative banishment. In the case of Prague, this facility is Balková. However, after aliens have been placed in such a facility almost 90% of them apply for asylum. The idea is to get outside the facility and possibly imigrate to EU countries.
Situation at the Border Crossing at Prague Ruzyně Airport
In 2000, at Prague international airport - Ruzyně 6,321,304 (+17.5%) persons and 81,400 (-2,5%) planes were dispatched. The number of persons arriving with false, altered or another persons’ passports did not change considerably compared with 1999. However, with regard to departures from the Czech Republic, the number of aliens trying to go to EU countries, the USA and Canada with changed, false or strange passports increased considerably. Most travellers arrive in Prague on their own travel documents, in Prague they receive false passports which they try to use to continue their journey. The most frequent persons apprehended with such documents were citizens of Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. 86 foreigners were arrested on suspicion of forging and altering a public document pursuant to Sec. 176 of the Criminal Code. An additional 116 (+68) suspects of crimes were handed over to the relevant departments. The police reported a considerable decrease in the number of dangerous items, including 32,640 (-40.3 %) items excluded from transport. 21 (-3) air police escorts were carried out during which 22 (-89.8 %) persons were escorted.
In total, 227 applications for refugee status in the Czech Republic were submitted in 2000. These were mainly applicants who arrived at Prague Ruzyně airport without valid passports – they represent 80% of the total number of applicants for asylum. In 2000, several measures were taken to ascertain the route by which such persons arrive in the Czech Republic. For this reason, 1,009 pre-passport control arrival inspections of air passengers were carried out directly at exits from airplanes.
Another phenomenon is the misuse of invitations for visiting the Czech Republic where the aim is to attempt an illegal crossing of the national border into Germany and then onto EU countries. There is no consistent coordination of police units of Immigration police to prevent these procedures within the whole Czech Republic. It is necessary to ascertain and check after handing over a person during readmission from Germany who invited the person, with the aim of covering the costs for the stay of such person in the Czech Republic before his/her departure from the country. The enforcement of these costs would be an effective deterrent and would very probably restrict this misuse.
Drugs
1,465 (-54.8 %) crimes of the illegal production and possession of narcotics and psychotropic substances and poisons were detected and 74.9 % (-24.5 %) were cleared up. The number of crimes concerning the spread of drug addiction was 111 (-60.4 %) with a detection rate reaching 99.1 % (-0.2 %). In the area of non-alcoholic drug addiction there was an increase of conspiring in the production and a higher level of distribution of drugs. According to information from the Police there were 18 cases of death of addicts due to overdoses of drugs, which is 10 less than in 1999. In the distribution of drugs there was change in the ratio of the number of detained dealers where the majority were citizens of the Czech Republic.
Pervitin (metamfetamin) and heroin (diacetylmorfine) are dominant on the Prague scene. There is permanent interest, not only from persons dependent on drugs, in marihuana (canabis). In the territory of Prague heroin is sold by Arab nationals, Albanians from Kosovo, persons from Africa, the former USSR and Yugoslavia. Other OPLs, which are mostly sold in discotheques and rock clubs, are LSD (lysergamid) and ecstasy (MDMA - methylendioxyamphetamin).
Organised Crime
In the area of organised crime there is a considerably higher organisation character of crime, the use of modern technology, fast cars and automatic guns. There are cases where criminals use Czech Republic Police uniforms and cars with Police markings. Criminals use service ID cards and emblems of the Police. They use false documents and official deeds equipped with stamps of prosecutors, courts and other institutions.
Foreigners, in particular Ukrainians, who work illegally in the Czech Republic, often commit violent crime, in particular muggings in shops, restaurants, bars, casinos, exchange offices and other operating units, in most cases using guns. The most frequently reported crimes are cases of Ukrainians mugging each other. Crime in the Chinese and Vietnamese communities is also a problem. When they are the aggrieved party, they try to resolve their problems by their own means within the community.
Extremism
In 2000 59 (+17) race-hatred related crimes were recorded. These crimes included 3 (+2) cases of intentional bodily harm (Sec. 221,222), 5 (+4) cases of violation and threats against group of inhabitants and individuals (Sec. 196), 1 (0) case of violation of freedom of association and assembly (Sec. 238a), 1 (-1) case of damaging another’s property (Sec. 257), 1 (0) case of rowdyism (Sec. 202), 8 (+3) cases of defamation of a nation, race and convictions (Sec. 198), 3 (+2) cases of inciting national and racial hatred (Sec. 198a) and 37 (+22) cases of the support and propagation of movements aimed at suppressing citizens´ rights and freedoms (Sec. 260, 261).
According to the knowledge of the Police the activities of important extremist groups and their movements in the capital city of Prague continues to increase. Their social seriousness is increasing, which is characterised mainly by high aggression and brutality. In 2000 this activity culminated in demonstrations against the meeting of the IMF and SB. The situation of extremism in the capital city of Prague is much more serious than in other regions of the Czech Republic because Prague as the capital is the seat of central state bodies, organisations and embassies which in most cases are the target of extremist groups. The reason is the preconditions of wide publicity and transport accessibility within the Czech Republic, as well as from the viewpoint of foreign participants. This fact is reflected in the increased demand and length of investigation of solved crimes. In Prague all forms of extremism and xenophobia exist.
Estimates of the number of supporters of extremist groups: the number of active supporters of the skinhead movement in capital city of Prague: 1,063 persons, the number of active anarchists, punk and autonomists in the capital city of Prague: 2,073 persons.
Locality with the highest and lowest number of extremist crimes: the highest: Prague 1, the lowest: Prague 9
Number of demonstrations: In 2000, 95 events of an extremist nature were recorded, including 36 events the organisation of which had been prohibited.
Crimes Against Property
The number of crimes against property represents 90,058 (-8.5 %), and the number of crimes solved was 16.0 % (-4.2 %). The number of common thefts was 64,114 (-1.6 %), The detection rate was 10.7 % (- 0.5 %). Thefts of motor vehicles were 9,930 (-4.7 %) and the detection rate was 3.7 % (-0.4 %). The most frequent places of car theft are the surroundings of Prague with large housing estates. The highest ratio of the mentioned crime is committed by habitual criminals (76.4 %). Each day in the capital city of Prague 27 cars are stolen on average (the most often are Škodas of all types and VW, Peugeot, Opel, Audi, BMW, Fiat, Ford and Renault). Most cars are stolen using identical key made according to the door lock of the particular car. Criminals often steal cars with the use of ordered recovery services. Organised groups of criminals register stolen cars using false documents, foreign or domestic. For these groups the involvement of employees from customs offices and the Police is evident.
27,338 (-1.7 %) thefts of items from cars were reported with a detection rate of 7.4 % (-0.2 %), and in the territory of the capital city it is the most frequent crime (25.6 % of total crime). These crimes are committed mainly by habitual criminals (43.9 %) and young people (36.4 %).
Pickpockets increased to 6,807 crimes (+5.3 %), the detection rate is 6.2 % (+1.5 %). These criminals are mainly organised groups of gypsies and foreigners, in particular from the former USSR and Romania who come to the Czech Republic specially for this purpose. Most pickpockets are persons under 15 (57.6 % of the solved crimes).
There were 14,885 (-13,8 %) burglaries with a detection rate of 9.9 % (+1.0 %). 3,686 (-12.6 %) burglaries of flats and family house were reported with a detection rate of 10.7 % (+1.6 %). Most crimes were committed during the day by co-participation in organised groups. In 1998 there were cases when criminals started to remove alarm systems during their burglaries of family houses and firms located in family houses. The Police uncovered the first group of criminals in 1999 and charged it with 86 offences throughout the whole Czech Republic with damage of CZK 45 million. Another part of the criminals was uncovered in March 2000 and charged with 40 offences with a total damage of CZK 20 million. The third group was uncovered in June 2000. This group was convicted of 255 cases of burglaries despite the fact that no criminal confessed to a crime and evidence was taken only from the scene of the crimes. The total damage caused was CZK 116 million. One person (a Slovak citizen) was suspected of murdering seven Slovak truck drivers.
Economic Crimes
The number of recorded economic crimes was 6,188 (-13.1 %) and the detection rate reached 91.8 % (+0.3 %). Damages caused represented approx. CZK 37.5 billion, which is an increase of CZK 33.5 billion compared to the last period. This increase was influenced by the case of Agrobanka Praha, a.s. where the recorded damage amounted to approx. CZK 25 billion.
The most frequent offence within economic crimes is fraud 1,324 (-36.0 %), with a detection rate of 99.1 % (-0.6 %). Embezzlement with 978 (-29,5 %) cases and with a detection rate of 99.6 % (-0.3 %) occupies the second place. The highest increase in reported crimes related to the non-payment of taxes (tax curtailment), social insurance, health insurance and contributions the state employment policy, i.e. 801 (+91.6 %), however the detection rate reached 99.9 % (-0.1 %), and crimes related to unauthorised possession of a credit card, i.e. 418 (+85.0 %) with the detection rate of 95.0 % (-5.0 %). The ratio of economic crimes which did not exceed 6 % was reported for the following crimes: forging and altering money 5.5 % (342), forging and altering a public document 5.5 % (341), violation of the rights of a registered trademark, business name and a protected indication of origin 3.9 % (244) and evasion of taxes 3.2 (199).
Violent Crimes
A total of 3.650 (-7.7 %) violent crimes were registered and the detection rate was 51.2 % (-1.2 %). 49 (-15) murders, including homicidal attempts were reported and the detection rate was 71.4 % (-9.8 %). The highest number of these crimes were committed in the districts of Prague 4 – 11 offences, Prague 8 – 8 offences, Prague 10 – 7 offences, and Prague 5 and 9 - 6 offences in each district. In the district of Prague 1 there were 4, Prague 6 - 3 crimes, in Prague 3 – 2 and one crime in Prague 2 and 7. In 16 cases the action of the criminals was motivated by variances between criminals and aggrieved persons, in 5 cases the criminal motive was predatory, 5 cases concern family relations, in two cases the motive of the criminals was to conceal debt, in one case it was heart-burning, liquidation of a witness and an ordered murder. In the remaining cases the criminal motive was not ascertained. In 23 cases firearms were used as the murder weapon, a knife was used in 18 cases and the remainder were carried out by another method (throttling, beating, attack with other objects). In some cases it involved a combination of guns and the manner of committing a crime. In total, 12 murderers were foreigners (3 from Ukraine, 3 from Yugoslavia, 2 from China, one each from Russia, Georgia, Israel and Germany). 8 crimes were committed by foreigners. The criminal offenders – foreigners are from Ukraine – three cases, Slovakia – two cases, and Russia, Germany, Yugoslavia – one from each country.
1,802 (-2.3 %) robberies were recorded and the detection rate was 20.5 %. With regard to robberies the brutality of the criminals increased with the use of guns or the threat of using a gun (in total, 758 crimes were committed, including gun – 421, a knife, dagger, razor - 208, lachrymatory gas - 59, other: handcuffs, paralyser, bottle, etc. - 97). In 154 cases criminals used masks. Of the total number of victims, 113 were pensioners, 388 foreigners and 78 minors. The highest number of robberies related to foreigners was recorded in the district of Prague 1 – 93 cases. Foreigners committed 108 crimes (29.1 % of the total number of solved crimes). The prevailing part is street robberies and robberies committed by foreigners from Russian speaking countries.
297 (-30.6 %) cases of extortion were ascertained and the detection rate was 70.4 % (-4.9 %).
There was a considerable decrease in the cases of spreading alarming news to 163 (-43.6 %) where the detection rate was 27.0 % (+13.9 %). Most cases concerned anonymous telephone calls reporting a bomb addressed mainly to schools. 97 cases of fire (-15.7 %) were ascertained, the detection rate was 10.3 % (+3.3 %). Statistically 3 explosions (-10) were reported, including 2 which were solved (the same as in 1999).
Moral Crime
173 (-54.7 %) moral offences were ascertained and the detection rate was 81.5 % (-4.4 %). In the monitored period 58 (-49.6 %) cases of rape were reported and the detection rate was 63.8 % (-10.1 %).
Road Safety
Traffic accidents in the Capital City of Prague showed a considerable decrease of 8.2% compared with 1999, i.e. a decrease to 40,560 traffic accidents. There were 80 (+6) fatalities in these accidents, 521 (-19) people were seriously injured and 3,260 (-289) received minor injuries, including 14 (-2) pedestrians who were killed, 126 (+0) suffered serious injuries and 399 (-25) suffered minor injuries. No children were killed, but 27 (+6) were seriously injured and 130 (-14) suffered minor injuries. Motor vehicle drivers caused 39,281 (-8.4 %) traffic accidents, i.e. 96.8 % of the total number of traffic accidents. Pedestrians caused 531 (-7.0 %) accidents, children 158 (-3.1 %) traffic accidents. 905 (+6.2 %) drivers who were involved in traffic accidents had taken alcohol before driving. Foreigners caused 774 (-6.4 %) traffic accidents and 19 (-2) drivers / foreigners caused traffic accidents under the influence of alcohol.
The most frequent reasons for traffic accidents are incorrect driving direction 64.1 %, not giving priority 24,3 % and high speed 7.3 %. The highest number of traffic accidents was reported in Prague 4 (7,751, -6.3 %), Prague 5 (6,210, -3.2 %) and Prague 9 (2,304, +8.7 %).
The Police pay particular attention to prevention activities. In 2000 there were 65 (+7) traffic security events and another 518 (+216) events of district character in Prague. Events involved mainly disciplinary actions for traffic offences, which are the main reason for traffic accidents and for ascertaining crimes related to driving cars. On the basis of photo documentation high risk cross-roads were selected around which the relevant district and local authorities constructed by-passes. This resulted in a considerable decrease in traffic accidents and particularly their consequences. Other important elements for the security of pedestrians are the construction of retarders and the narrowing of multi-lane roads at road crossings for pedestrians.
The Capital City of Prague – development of crime in 1999 and 2000 and the year-to-year change in development
|
1999 |
2000 |
Change in % +/- |
Total crime ascertained |
120,166 |
106,974 |
-11.0 |
Crimes solved |
37,642 |
27,974 |
-25.7 |
which accounts for % |
31.3 |
26.2 |
- |
Total damage ascertained (in thousand CZK) |
9,798,455 |
42,938,918 |
338.2 |
Secured damage (in thousand CZK) |
97,311 |
33,443 |
-65.6 |
Common crimes |
108,948 |
97,494 |
-10.5 |
Crimes solved |
28,175 |
19,484 |
-30.8 |
which accounts for % |
25.9 |
20.0 |
- |
Violent crimes |
3,953 |
3,650 |
-7,7 |
Crimes solved |
2,070 |
1,867 |
-9.8 |
which accounts for % |
52.4 |
51.2 |
- |
Of which: Murders |
64 |
49 |
-23,4 |
Robberies |
1,845 |
1,790 |
-3.0 |
Robberies from financial institutions* |
- |
12 |
|
Intentional injury to health |
725 |
656 |
-9.5 |
Dangerous threats |
208 |
217 |
4.3 |
Extortion |
428 |
297 |
-30.6 |
Moral crime |
382 |
173 |
-54.7 |
Crimes solved |
328 |
141 |
-57.0 |
which accounts for % |
85.9 |
81.5 |
- |
Of which: Rape |
115 |
58 |
-49.6 |
Pandering |
80 |
21 |
-73.8 |
Crimes against property |
98,420 |
90,058 |
-8.5 |
Crimes solved |
19,800 |
14,383 |
-27.4 |
which accounts for % |
20.1 |
16.0 |
- |
Burglaries |
17,261 |
14,885 |
-13.8 |
Crimes solved |
1,532 |
1,470 |
-4.0 |
which accounts for % |
8.9 |
9.9 |
- |
Of which: to shops |
881 |
716 |
-18.7 |
to flats (in blocks of flats)* |
4,219 |
2,972 |
-29.6 |
to weekend houses |
850 |
540 |
-36.5 |
to family houses* |
- |
714 |
|
Common thefts |
65,175 |
64,114 |
-1.6 |
Crimes solved |
7,313 |
6,872 |
-6.0 |
which accounts for % |
11.2 |
10.7 |
- |
Of which: motor vehicles |
10,420 |
9,930 |
-4.7 |
items from cars |
27,797 |
27,338 |
-1.7 |
bicycles |
852 |
615 |
-27,8 |
pickpockets |
6,462 |
6,807 |
5.3 |
Frauds |
9.828 |
5,044 |
-48,7 |
Other crime |
|
|
|
Rowdyism |
392 |
341 |
-13,0 |
Unauthorised production and possession of psychotropic substances and poisons |
3.358 |
1,465 |
-56.4 |
Spreading of drug addiction |
280 |
111 |
-60.4 |
Frustrating executions of an official decision |
992 |
1,070 |
7.9 |
Economic crime |
7,119 |
6,188 |
-13.1 |
Crimes solved |
6,508 |
5,678 |
-12.8 |
which accounts for % |
91.4 |
91.8 |
- |
Of which: Curtailment of taxes |
141 |
199 |
41.1 |
Frauds |
2,068 |
1.324 |
-36,0 |
Embezzlement |
1,387 |
978 |
-29.5 |
Infringements of rights related to trademarks |
241 |
244 |
1.2 |
Infringement of copyright |
306 |
191 |
-37.6 |