From Fear to Trust: Two Decades of Crime Trends and Public Confidence in Lithuania

• In Event: Measuring and Interpreting Perceptions of Crime

Abstract

Twenty years ago, the situation in Lithuania was rather challenging, characterized by relatively high crime rates, a low sense of security, and limited public trust in the police and other criminal justice institutions. Over the past decades, significant transformations have taken place, shaped by policy reforms, socio-economic changes, and shifts in public attitudes.
According to official statistics, the number of recorded crimes has decreased by 50% since the 2000s, reflecting broader European trends. Recent data highlight the positive developments in Lithuania. According to the 2023 Eurostat survey, only 3% of Lithuanian residents perceived crime, violence, or vandalism as a problem in their local area—one of the lowest rates in the EU. In contrast, the EU average stood at 11%, with the highest concerns reported in Bulgaria, Greece, and France. Trust in the police has also seen significant improvements. The 2024 Eurobarometer survey shows that 81% of Lithuanians trust the police, surpassing the EU average of 72% and placing Lithuania among the top six countries in the EU. While Finland (95%) and Sweden (91%) lead in public confidence, Lithuania's position indicates a strong and stable trust in law enforcement.
This presentation examines long-term trends in crime rates, perceptions of security, and institutional trust, drawing on survey data and official crime statistics. The analysis explores key factors that contributed to these changes and discusses persistent challenges in fostering public confidence in the criminal justice system.

Author

• Egle Vileikiene, Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania