Istanbul, Türkiye – In a remarkable display of effective governance and dedicated law enforcement, Istanbul has achieved significant breakthroughs in public safety, crime prevention, and migration management during the first five months of 2025. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, in a comprehensive public address on Wednesday, unveiled compelling statistics that highlight a city transforming into a safer and more secure urban environment. His report, delivered at the monthly safety assessment meeting, underscored the unwavering commitment to order in Türkiye’s most populous metropolis.
A cornerstone of this success lies in the enhanced control over irregular migration. Despite a 64% increase in screenings at Mobile Migration Points compared to the same period in 2024, the number of identified irregular migrants paradoxically fell by 18%. “This shows a consistent downward trend in irregular migration,” Governor Gül stated, declaring that “this issue is no longer becoming a serious problem for Istanbul. Our approach continues to prioritize public safety without compromising legal and human rights.”
The city has also witnessed a dramatic decline in criminal activity. The rate of the eight most significant crimes against individuals dropped by 9% in the first five months of 2025, with an astonishing 99.4% resolution rate for these offenses. Even more impressively, property crimes – including theft and vandalism – saw a nearly 27% reduction in the nine most commonly reported incidents. Vehicle theft, motorcycle theft, and snatching, in particular, plummeted by over 50%. “Crime prevention requires proactive, preventive strategies, and we are seeing the results of this consistent approach,” Gül affirmed, attributing these successes to heightened vigilance and strategic interventions.
Beyond traditional crime, law enforcement has intensified efforts against illegal firearm possession, leading to a 21% increase in seized weapons and a doubling of arrests. Operations against organized crime groups surged by 41%, resulting in a 37% rise in dismantled gangs and the seizure of assets worth a staggering TL 39 billion ($1 billion). “In the fight against organized crime, our message is clear: Criminals and their networks cannot escape the reach of the law and our security forces,” Gül declared.
Anti-smuggling efforts have also yielded impressive results, with operations increasing by 16% and the amount of counterfeit and smuggled alcohol tripling, preventing a tax loss of TL 916 million. The war on drugs, described as a “global disaster,” saw anti-narcotics operations rise by 17%, with drug pill seizures doubling and cannabis seizures soaring sevenfold. Community engagement, notably through the “Best Narcotics Officer: Mother” project, which saw a 200% increase in informed mothers, and the citizen-contributed NARVAS system, has been instrumental in pinpointing drug trafficking hotspots.
In the digital realm, cybercrime prevention remains a focus, with cyber patrols working diligently and citizens urged to practice vigilance. Traffic safety has also improved, with increased inspections contributing to a continuing decline in fatalities, and new regulations curbing illegal strobe light usage. As the city prepares for upcoming holidays, temporary restrictions on heavy vehicles underscore Istanbul’s holistic approach to ensuring public safety and order across all facets of urban life.