WILLEMSTAD – Armed robberies continued to rank among the most serious and disruptive crimes on Curaçao in 2025, despite a long-term decline compared to the previous decade. According to figures released by the Curaçao Police Force, a total of 118 armed robberies were recorded last year, underscoring that the offense remains a structural source of insecurity for residents and small businesses.
The data were presented during a press conference by the Ministry of Justice, where police officials highlighted the violent nature of these crimes. In 66 of the 118 recorded robberies, a firearm was used. In the remaining cases, perpetrators relied on other weapons, physical force, or verbal threats. The frequent involvement of firearms significantly increases the impact on victims and surrounding communities, reinforcing fear and insecurity in affected neighborhoods.
The majority of robberies took place in residential areas and retail locations, confirming that local residents and shop owners face the highest risk. No armed robberies were reported in hotels during 2025, while incidents on public roads occurred less frequently. This distribution points to a crime pattern that is largely domestic in nature rather than linked to tourism.
Timing also played a clear role. Most robberies occurred during the evening and nighttime hours, with a noticeable peak between 6:00 p.m. and midnight. Thursdays and Fridays saw the highest number of incidents, a trend consistent with previous years and often associated with increased activity in neighborhoods, shops, and nightlife areas.
Although 118 robberies were registered, the police recorded a total of 217 reports, as multiple complaints were sometimes filed in connection with a single incident. Only six of these reports involved tourists, further emphasizing that armed robberies primarily affect the local population.
In terms of law enforcement response, 41 suspects were arrested in connection with armed robberies in 2025. Most were young adult men between the ages of 20 and 29. While the majority held Curaçaoan nationality, suspects from other regional and European backgrounds were also identified. Police indicated that several arrests resulted from targeted operations and improved intelligence gathering.
Authorities stress that the combination of frequent firearm use, concentration in residential areas, and evening occurrence gives armed robberies a disproportionate effect on the public’s sense of safety. As a result, combating armed robbery remains a top priority within Curaçao’s security strategy, with continued focus on prevention, increased police visibility in neighborhoods, and intensified efforts to curb illegal firearm possession.
