Major Crimes Up, Domestic Violence Down in Belize’s Third Quarter Report

From July to September 2025, Belize recorded an increase in major crimes and murders, while domestic violence reports showed a notable decline. The Belize Crime Observatory’s latest third-quarter report revealed that the Belize Police Department documented a total of 300 major crimes during this period, 28 more than the same quarter in 2024. These included 21 murders, 14 rapes, 53 robberies, and 167 burglaries. In contrast, domestic violence reports dropped by 16 cases to 333.
The surge in major crimes, particularly burglaries and robberies, highlights a concerning shift. Burglaries rose by 21 incidents compared to the previous year, while robberies increased from 37 to 53. Most murders occurred in the Belize District, which accounted for more than half of the 21 homicide cases reported. Firearms were involved in 76% of these murders, primarily affecting males between the ages of 18 and 49. While July and September registered increases in murders, August reflected no change compared to 2024.
Meanwhile, domestic violence cases decreased, with communication problems cited as the most common contributing factor. Female complainants, aged 20 to 39, accounted for 70% of these reports.
Earlier this year, a state of emergency was declared in parts of Belize and the Cayo District from May to June, which may have influenced recent trends. Although total murders for the first nine months of 2025 declined slightly compared to 2024, the third-quarter increase in major crimes and murders suggests emerging challenges. The rise in burglaries and robberies could show a shift in criminal behavior or enforcement gaps in certain districts. Conversely, the reduction in domestic violence cases may reflect the impact of public awareness and intervention programmes, though some areas, such as the Toledo District, still report increases.
A Belize Crime Observatory analyst noted the need for targeted approaches to address the evolving crime landscape. “The rise in violent and property crimes in the third quarter signals that we must strengthen neighbourhood watch programmes and enhance police resources,” the analyst said. “However, the reduction in domestic violence reports is encouraging and suggests that support services and awareness campaigns are making an impact.” The analyst also emphasized the importance of addressing underlying causes, such as communication breakdowns and substance abuse, in crime prevention efforts.
Overall, the third-quarter findings underscore the need for balanced, multifaceted approaches to public safety. While the rise in violent and property crimes calls for reinforced policing and community outreach, the encouraging domestic violence trends highlight the value of continued investment in prevention and support initiatives.