When Safety Slips Away: The Reality Behind Rising Criming Rates

The Gambia has long been known for its peace, hospitality, and tranquillity. It’s a place where neighbours look out for each other, where communities are tightly knit, and where visitors often remark on how safe and welcoming it feels. That peaceful reality is now under threat. Crime is on the rise, and it is time for Gambians to recognise that the country is not what it used to be. We must wake up to this new reality, be vigilant, and act accordingly to protect our people and our communities.

Statistics and Hidden Realities?

The Gambia’s crime rate has increased in recent years, both in visibility and severity. The country is dealing with an increase in criminal activity ranging from violent robberies to petty theft, and from substance-related offenses to rape. While there have been some efforts to record and analyze crime data, the reality is that many cases go unreported. Most crimes, especially those involving sexual assault, domestic violence or theft are frequently overlooked. This is not because they are unimportant, but rather because of a cultural mindset that encourages silence. Instead of seeking justice, many Gambians have adopted the ideology of “leaving things to God” rather than pursuing justice. While faith is central to our lives, this mindset has unfortunately contributed to a climate where criminals operate with little fear of consequence. Beyond this, a major reason crime goes unreported is the lack of trust in the police force. Many Gambians feel that reporting a crime is pointless. Either because they see the police as incompetent and unlikely to help, or because they fear corruption within the force. Alarmingly, nearly half (45%) of Gambians say that “most” or “all” police officials are corrupt. This distrust makes it even harder to bring criminals to justice and only deepens the culture of silence. While official police records suggest a slight decline in major crimes in 2023

compared to 2024, these figures are likely misleading due to the lack of comprehensive crime reporting and the limitations in how this data is collected. In reality, we know that reports of murder, burglary and other violent crimes are alarmingly on the rise in our community. We hear about them through word of mouth, social media, and sometimes first-hand experiences. The official data fails to capture the growing fear and the very real threats people are living with across the country.

Why is crime on the rise?

Economic Hardship

Unemployment and poverty remain rampant, especially among the youth, which leaves them idle and desperate. In such an environment, committing crimes can be tempting or even deemed essential for survival. Petty theft and robbery are often driven by lack of necessities and economic opportunity which fuels frustration and hopelessness that can easily lead to crimes of violence.

Weak Law Enforcement and Justice System

Our justice system remains under-resourced, overwhelmed, and in many cases deeply distrusted. Police officers often lack the necessary training, equipment, and support to effectively investigate and solve crimes. As a result, law enforcement efforts can be slow, inconsistent, or completely absent. The court system adds another layer of dysfunction. Delays in processing cases, limited access to legal representation, and perceptions of unfairness discourage people from seeking justice. When perpetrators know they are unlikely to be caught or punished, it creates a sense of immunity that encourages further crime.

Unregulated Immigration and the Need for Stronger Screening

Another factor contributing to the rise in crime is the increase in unauthorized immigration into the country. While many immigrants play a crucial role in our economy—working as teachers, domestic workers, construction workers, and more—they are also part of our everyday lives in very close and trusted roles. A significant number are employed as private security guards, giving them access to homes, businesses, and personal spaces. This proximity creates vulnerabilities, especially when there are no proper background checks in place. It’s important to stress that the issue is not the presence of immigrants themselves—many come here seeking honest work and contribute positively to our

communities. However, in the absence of regular and thorough screening processes, it becomes difficult to determine who is entering the country and for what purpose. Unfortunately, this gap in oversight has allowed individuals with criminal intent or differing values around law and property to slip through, some of whom are seeking fast money and resort to crime as a means of achieving it. While many immigrants are upstanding individuals who add immense value to our society, the lack of a structured system to track, verify, and monitor entrants leaves room for abuse. What we are calling for is not a limitation on immigration, but the establishment of consistent and reliable background checks as the norm. We must know who is coming into the country—not to discriminate, but to ensure public safety and foster trust among communities. Responsible immigration policies can coexist with national security and public welfare if managed with transparency, regulation, and care.

Lack of education and social support systems

Education is often cited as one of the most powerful tools for crime prevention , yet many Gambians still lack access to quality education. Overcrowded classrooms, under-qualified teachers, and limited access to vocational training leave many of the youth without the skills to build a better future. Additionally, the lack of investment in schools, especially the rural areas, means that countless children are left behind at an early age. Without education, many children grow up without direction or hope, making them more susceptible to peer pressure, criminal recruitment, and involvement in incriminating activities as a means of survival.

Lack of Effective Reintegration Systems.

Once released, many former offenders face immense social stigma, limited employment opportunities and virtually no access to mental health services or rehabilitation programmes. With no guidance toward rebuilding their lives, these individuals are often left to fend for themselves in a society that has already marginalised them. While some reintegration programs exist, they are insufficient in effectiveness. This not only increases the likelihood of reoffending but also undermines public safety and again encourages the growth of criminal activity.

What can we do?

This fight is not just for the government or the police – it is a collective responsibility. Every Gambian has a role to play in making our country safer. Here’s how:

● Be vigilant: Pay attention to your surroundings and report suspicious activities. Have a good enough rapport with your neighbors so that you can regularly inform each other on anything new or unusual in the neighborhood.

● Secure your home: Install proper locks, outdoor lighting, and security cameras if you can. If you are fortunate enough to have a guard, ensure that you have sufficient background information on them and that this individual is someone you can trust.

● Support the youth: Mentor young people and connect them with educational and employment opportunities. Idle youth are more susceptible to criminal influences, so providing alternatives is crucial.

● Advocate for crime prevention education: Introduce and support regular awareness programs in schools that teach children about the consequences of crime and ethical decision-making.

● Promote a culture of accountability: Encourage reporting crimes rather than handling matters privately or brushing them under the rug. When we collectively refuse to tolerate criminal behavior, we create powerful social deterrents.

The Gambia is at a crossroads. We can either allow the wave of crime to define our future or take a stand today to protect our country. Yes, the Gambia is not what is used to be as many like to say, but that does not mean we must accept this decline. We have the power as a community to fight this recent trend. We must be cautious, proactive, and united. Through community vigilance, youth support and collective accountability, we can restore safety and peace to our beloved nation.