Crime rates in Türkiye have increased by 108% in the last 10 years!

Sociologist Dr. Berat Dağ, pointing out that there has been a transformation in crime rates in Türkiye both quantitatively and qualitatively, stated: “It is observed that within 10 years, crime rates have increased by 108%. Male convicts make up more than 95% of this total every year.”

According to 2020 data, Dr. Berat Dağ noted that the most frequently committed crimes in Türkiye were intentional injury (40,445 convicts) and theft (39,279 convicts). He added: “The 2020 data reveal that nearly 8,500 young people aged 15–17 entered prison due to theft, assault, and drug-related crimes.”

Dr. Berat Dağ, from Üsküdar University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Sociology, evaluated the issue of rising crime rates.

A transformation in crime rates

Referring to the latest official statistics, Dr. Dağ highlighted that Türkiye is experiencing a transformation in crime rates both quantitatively and qualitatively: “If we look concretely at the data of the Ministry of Justice, while a total of 128,253 people were imprisoned in 2011, this number reached 266,831 in 2020. This shows a 108% increase in crime rates within 10 years. Male convicts account for more than 95% of this total every year. On the other hand, the number of female convicts has nearly doubled. All these figures reveal that there has been a clear increase in overall crime rates in Türkiye in recent years,” he said.

The most common crimes: intentional injury and theft

Pointing out that the distribution of prisoners by type of crime reflects a tendency toward social violence and insecurity, Dr. Dağ continued: “It can be considered that polarization, crises, and processes of fragmentation have an impact on the emergence of this tendency. In other words, the contradictions between economic, political, and social expectations and the structural outcomes encountered can increase crime rates. In this context, 2020 data reveal that the most common crimes were intentional injury, with 40,445 convicted, and theft, with 39,279 convicted. These are followed by drug trafficking, drug use, and fraud.

On the other hand, a long-term downward trend in homicide crimes also draws attention. According to Police and Gendarmerie data, the number of homicide cases, which was 3,020 in 2006, decreased to 2,075 in 2020. This decline can be explained in the context of relatively effective law enforcement coordination, early intervention systems, and deterrent punishments. Therefore, in order to reduce crime rates in Türkiye, it is extremely important to maintain competent legal sanctions along with economic, political, and social integrity simultaneously.”

A growing tendency toward crime among youth

Stating that there has been a significant increase in the rate at which children and young people are drawn into crime in Türkiye, Dr. Berat Dağ said: “2020 data reveal that nearly 8,500 young people aged 15–17 were imprisoned due to theft, assault, and drug-related crimes alone. This situation indicates that the tendency toward crime during adolescence is increasing. It is clear that in order to counter this rise, effective legal measures and crime-preventive social policies must be urgently implemented together in Türkiye.”

Crime rates differ by region

Highlighting that crime rates vary according to regional differences in Türkiye, Dr. Dağ stated: “As an example, a project carried out in Erzurum by the Ministry of Interior is quite remarkable. Within the framework of the ‘My Peaceful Erzurum’ project, crimes against property decreased by 34% and crimes against individuals decreased by 5% in the city. The same city also ranked first in Türkiye in terms of solving theft cases. From this example, it can be said that ensuring social participation against crime, together with the coordinated implementation of central and local security policies, is effective in combating crime.”

Political-economic inequalities also increase crime rates

Drawing attention to how distorted urbanization, internal and external migration processes, and political-economic inequalities contribute to increasing crime rates, Dr. Dağ emphasized:
“In this context, it is very important that the state ensures every individual has the opportunity to exist continuously, both in private and public spheres, equally and freely. Undoubtedly, the resulting strength of social solidarity would make a critical contribution to reducing crime rates.”

Prison overcapacity

Touching on the current occupancy levels of prisons in Türkiye, Dr. Dağ noted: “As of 2020, while the capacity of penal institutions in Türkiye was around 230,000, today it has exceeded 266,000. It is clear that the number of convicts is far above this capacity. Even though new prisons have been built to address the overcapacity problem, effective results have still not been achieved. Therefore, in addition to legal measures against crime, it is also necessary to think about bringing social solutions.”

The prison population in Türkiye is growing

Dr. Dağ concluded his remarks as follows: “The prison population in Türkiye is increasing. One of the reasons for this outcome may be the insufficient focus of individuals, society, and the state on the sociological foundations of crime. Although political and legal measures are periodically taken against the problem of crime in Türkiye, this negative outcome does not change. Therefore, it can always be argued that if values such as trust, equality, and freedom are not made permanent in every sphere of social life, the problem of crime will continue to grow.”