Crime rises in Armenia's Tavush despite drop in serious offenses

Reported crimes in Armenia’s Tavush Province rose 17.6% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, though serious and violent offenses declined.

The Interior Ministry said on Wednesday Tavush police registered 174 crimes, with increases in offenses against individuals and computer-related thefts. All firearm-related crimes were solved.

Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan, visiting the region, urged stronger efforts against illegal logging and emphasized swift responses to sexual violence cases to ensure victims’ rights are protected.

Local police divisions reported mixed trends: crime fell in Dilijan and Noyemberyan, while Ijevan saw 237 cases with a 76.8% detection rate. Tavush’s community police registered 118 crimes, with detection efficiency up 11% from last year.

Patrol units recorded nearly 28,000 administrative violations, mostly unlicensed driving, but traffic accidents and casualties decreased.

Sargsyan said more work was needed to improve detection rates and strengthen public safety.