Liechtenstein: crime and justice

What is the crime rate in Liechtenstein?

The National Police recorded 1,424 criminal offences in 2025, 4% more than the 1,373 recorded in 2024, according to the Landespolizei annual report 2025. The clearance rate rose to 68% (2024: 64%).

The police statistics count offences, not cases, so one case can include several offences. They cover reported offences with a crime scene in Liechtenstein under the Criminal Code, the Narcotics Act, the Foreigners Act and other laws. The report says the total has been above 1,200 offences for the fourth year in a row, with rises in assaults, coercion and threats, and a fall in burglaries. It notes that unreported crime is not covered.

Official sources: Landespolizei: Jahresbericht 2025 (PDF) · Landespolizei: annual reports

How many murders are there in Liechtenstein?

The police statistics show three homicide offences for 2025: one completed homicide, one attempted homicide and one attempted incitement to murder, according to the Landespolizei annual report 2025. The completed case, shortly before Christmas 2025, involved the killing of three members of one family. The report says the suspect then took his own life in Switzerland.

The police count offences, so one homicide case with several victims can be recorded differently from the number of people killed. Because the population is about 41,000, a single case changes the per-head rate a lot, and year-to-year comparisons need care. The full offence breakdown is in the annual report's crime statistics section.

Official sources: Landespolizei: Jahresbericht 2025 (PDF)

Does Liechtenstein have a prison?

Liechtenstein has one prison, the Landesgefängnis in Vaduz, run by the National Police, according to the Landespolizei annual report 2025. It recorded 77 detentions and 5,212 detention days in 2025 (2024: 77 and 4,152). Six prison officers staffed it.

Detentions in Vaduz include pre-trial detention and sentences. Prisoners are usually transferred to Austria to serve their sentences once judgments are final: in 2025, 24 prisoners (22 men and two women) served 5,241 days in Austrian prisons. Total detention days, including those abroad, rose to 11,257 from 9,935. The report notes a high share of foreign nationals among pre-trial detainees.

Official sources: Landespolizei: Jahresbericht 2025 (PDF)

How many police officers does Liechtenstein have?

The National Police had 144.8 filled posts at the end of 2025 (2024: 136.8), of which 94.9 were police officers with full police powers, according to the Landespolizei annual report 2025. The rest were 25.0 posts for civilian staff with police duties, such as forensics, and 24.9 administrative posts.

The target strength was 160 posts plus five extra posts, not counting the prison. Eleven police trainees were in training, due to join in autumn 2026 and 2027, and 32 auxiliary police supported the force. The prison staff are counted separately: 6.0 posts in 2025.

Official sources: Landespolizei: Jahresbericht 2025 (PDF)

What is the murder rate in Liechtenstein?

5.1 per 100,000: that is the intentional homicide rate in Liechtenstein for 2021, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. That is the highest since at least 2007. It is 2nd highest of 44 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 1.1 per 100,000. World rank, highest first: 40th of 109.

How many women are killed in Liechtenstein?

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the homicide rate for women in Liechtenstein was 5.1 per 100,000 in 2021. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 0.7 per 100,000, and Liechtenstein placed 1st highest of 42. Of 98 countries with 2021 data, 13th highest.

How many men are killed in Liechtenstein?

In 2021, the homicide rate for men in Liechtenstein was 5.2 per 100,000, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. It was 5.6 per 100,000 in 2010. It is 3rd highest of 42 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 1.6 per 100,000. World rank, highest first: 39th of 97.