WILLEMSTAD – The number of murders and burglaries on Curaçao continued to decline in 2025, while armed robberies and traffic fatalities remain persistent safety challenges. This emerges from the official crime statistics presented by the Curaçao Police Force during a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Justice.
In 2025, police recorded nine murders or cases of manslaughter, placing the year among the lowest levels of lethal violence in the available data series. All of the incidents involved the use of a firearm. According to police, most cases were linked to targeted killings or domestic and relational violence. In several investigations, suspects have been arrested, reinforcing the view that investigative capacity and effectiveness have improved.
At the same time, armed robberies continue to pose a serious problem. Police registered 118 robberies, with firearms used in 66 cases. These incidents occurred mainly in residential areas and at retail locations, and most often during the evening and night hours. Thursdays and Fridays were identified as the days with the highest number of robberies. A total of 41 suspects were arrested, predominantly young adult men.
Property crime showed a clear downward trend. The number of residential burglaries dropped to 157 cases, a significant decrease compared to 2024. Business burglaries also declined, totaling 87 incidents. In connection with residential and commercial break-ins, police arrested 57 individuals.
Vehicle-related crime, however, remains an area of concern. In 2025, police received 205 reports of car theft, with a substantial portion involving the theft of vehicle parts rather than entire vehicles.
Traffic safety figures were less encouraging. Fourteen people lost their lives in traffic accidents during the year, with most fatal incidents occurring in the evening and at night. Common contributing factors included speeding, driving under the influence, failure to yield right of way and running red lights. Men and women were equally represented among the victims.
In efforts to combat violent crime, police seized 91 firearms in 2025, primarily pistols and revolvers. The Ministry of Justice attributes these results in part to increased investment in personnel, training, digital tools, camera surveillance and intensified traffic and neighborhood patrols. Cooperation with the Netherlands Forensic Institute has also been strengthened to accelerate criminal investigations.
