An increase in car thefts and thefts from vehicles, a rise in assault and battery cases, but fewer muggings and burglaries – these were among the key findings in the Luxembourg Police’s 2024 activity report, presented on Tuesday by Director General Pascal Peters and Minister for Home Affairs Léon Gloden.
While thefts, muggings, and burglaries saw a slight decline last year, incidents of deliberate assault and battery rose. Vehicle-related crimes surged, with stolen cars, and theft from stationary vehicles becoming more frequent targets. The police also noted a growing number of drug-related cases.
The report detailed a sharp 37.56% increase in private vehicle thefts over the past year, with the rise partially driven by a trend of supply-related crime.
Drug-related crimes saw a significant rise in Luxembourg last year, with cases surging by 37%. Police made 207 in-the-act arrests in 2024, reflecting intensified enforcement efforts in that area.
However, there was positive news in other areas: reported muggings dropped by 11.12%, and simple theft – the most common offense – decreased by 3.42% (12,214 cases in 2024). Burglaries, both attempted and successful, also declined, with a 3.75% reduction in residential break-ins and a 5.34% drop in non-residential cases.
In July 2023, MPs approved the use of body cameras for police officers – a policy initially proposed by the former DP-LSAP-Green Party coalition but opposed by CSV and ADR MPs. On Tuesday, Minister Gloden confirmed that officers will begin wearing bodycams starting 1 June.
Minister Gloden emphasised the government’s commitment to public safety, stating: “improving both security and citizens’ sense of safety remains a priority.” He stressed the continued application of the “4 P principle” – Personnel, Presence, Proximity, and Prevention – noting that “visible policing reassures the public and serves as a deterrent.”
The minister continued to assert there is a desire to ensure that the police are closer to the public, which is why pilot projects for local policing have been introduced and expanded to counter more modern forms of crime – particularly in the areas of cybercrime and financial crime. Specialised units have also been strengthened.
Following a positive evaluation in December 2024, pilot projects of localised police units introduced in Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette will expand to Differdange and Grevenmacher starting May 2025.
Recruitment efforts bolstered the force in 2024, with over 90 new officers joining. As of 1 January 2025, Luxembourg’s police employed 3,241 personnel – 2,505 officers (77.29%) and 736 civilian staff (22.71%), reinforcing its role as one of the country’s largest employers.
Data available in French:
