Crime on the Island continues to fall while serious incidents create 'exceptional demand'

Chief Constable Russ Foster's Annual Report published

There's been a further reduction in recorded crime on the Isle of Man of 4.5 percent.

The Chief Constable's Annual Report has been published covering the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Recorded crime and detection rate

Compared with recorded crime figures from 2023-24, the reduction in recorded crime is 16.9 percent, showing 'a continued downward trend'. 

However, it says recorded crime is only a partial representation of the demand experienced during that year - with calls to the Emergency Services Joint Control room rising by four percent from 13,999 to 14,562 calls.

The detection rate for overall crime - meaning the percentage of recorded crimes resolved through a charge, summons, or out-of-court disposal - fell from 55.8 percent down to 51.9 percent. 

Figures at a glance

There was a greater number of cases of ABH - 'assault occasioning actual bodily harm'.

Meanwhile, there was also several isolated, but exceptionally serious incidents, which police say 'sit outside of the usual crime profile for the Isle of Man'. 

The number of sexual offences, including rape, has fallen compared with the previous year.

The constabulary says: 'These investigations remain complex and resource‑intensive, particularly where cases are non-recent or involve significant evidential challenges. 

'Detection rates of sexual offences other than rape have improved over the period, while the detection rate for rape fell. 

'Key challenges include supporting victims through the full criminal justice process and the attrition of evidence where the disclosure to police is made after a significant lapse of time. 

'The Sexual Assault Referral Centre is now fully operational for police‑led referrals, strengthening the support available to victims.'

Staffing and recruitment

During the same period between 2024-25 the chief constable cited issues around recruitment and retention.

In the preceding year, the Isle of Man Constabulary says it has maintained a strong focus on recruitment, with two cohorts progressing through training during the year for deployment and a new recruitment process underway, which will see new student officers commence training in September 2026. 

It says: 'Continued student officer recruitment, transferee interest and the successful returner policy have all helped reduce the overall staffing shortfall, ensuring future organisational resilience and capability.'

On securing the Island's points of entry, it says: 'The integration of the Ports Unit into the IOMC, together with the co-location of Customs and Immigration at the Sea Terminal, has transformed joint working at the Island’s sea entry point. 

'This coordinated approach has contributed to increased activity at entry points, with investigations rising 14.4 percent overall and arrests at the Sea Terminal increasing by 47.5 percent.

'These results reflect the professionalism and proactive work of officers across all agencies, whose combined efforts continue to disrupt organised crime and prevent illicit goods from reaching the Island.'

"We will continue to adapt and respond"

Chief Constable Russ Foster says: "This year has been one of both challenge and progress for the Isle of Man Constabulary. 

"We have continued to see reductions in overall crime and anti-social behaviour and we have made significant progress in our drive to recruit to our funded strength, helping to build resilience across all areas of policing.

"However, we have also experienced periods of exceptional demand resulting from a number of serious incidents, followed by a series of other high‑harm investigations. 

"This required the workforce to flex to meet that demand, alongside ongoing safeguarding activity to prevent further harm, while maintaining delivery across core policing services. 

"This has only been possible through the professionalism, resilience and commitment of our officers and staff, and their ability to respond to changing demands.

"We have continued to strengthen our capability to respond to financial crime and the risks associated with international money laundering, particularly as we prepare for the forthcoming MONEYVAL assessment. 

"This work reflects the importance of protecting the Island’s status as an international financial centre and relies on close working across government, enforcement partners and with the private sector. 

"In parallel, our collaboration with partners at the Sea Terminal continues to strengthen our response to the ‘Securing Our Island’ framework and to disrupt attempts by organised criminals to exploit the Isle of Man.

"I remain proud of the Isle of Man Constabulary and the dedication shown by our workforce in keeping people safe. 

"We will continue to adapt and respond to the challenges ahead in order to maintain public confidence and deliver an effective policing service for the Island."

You can find the Chief Constable's Annual Report 2025-26 HERE.