Kidnappings in Malaga province doubled in 2025, rising from eight cases in 2024 to 17 last year, according to the latest crime figures.
Intentional homicides and murders also increased slightly, from 23 to 26. However, attempted homicides fell by 7.8%, dropping from 64 to 59 cases.
Serious and less serious assault offences and public disorder brawls rose by 7.3%, from 1,141 to 1,224 incidents.
Sexual offences overall increased by 2.4%, reaching 858 cases, while other crimes against sexual freedom rose 3.8%. Sexual assaults involving penetration fell slightly, from 176 to 171 cases.
Drug trafficking offences recorded a 4.8% decrease, falling from 1,071 to 1,020.
Overall crime in the province rose by 2% in 2025, with total recorded offences increasing from 102,232 in 2024 to 104,234 last year.
Attempting to gloss over the increase, government minister Javier Salas said Malaga has seen a positive trend in recent years in the crimes that most concern the public and highlighted that the overall crime rate has fallen over the past decade.
He also praised the work of the State Security Forces in tackling criminal activity.
Property crime showed a notable decline, falling by 7.29%, with 36,658 offences recorded compared to 39,537 the previous year. Robberies with violence or intimidation dipped slightly by 0.9%.
Burglaries involving force in homes, businesses and other premises dropped sharply by 22.6%, while home burglaries alone fell by 23.9%. Theft offences also decreased by 4%.
Vehicle thefts, however, edged up by 0.8%.
Cybercrime continued to rise, increasing by 6.4% overall, from 18,137 to 19,301 cases. Computer fraud offences were up 6%, while other cyber-related crimes jumped 9.4%.
