Slovakia Grapples with Rising Theft as Officials Deflect Blame for Criminal Code Changes
Bratislava, Slovakia – Justice Minister Boris Susko and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok acknowledged a growing trend of shoplifting and petty theft across Slovakia, responding to concerns raised by business owners. The ministers announced a proposed solution of assigning municipal work to offenders with no assets, but simultaneously defended recent criminal code reforms they claim are not responsible for the increase.
Traders have reported a surge in thefts, including items like bicycles, now classified as offenses rather than crimes, and even cars, facing reduced penalties. This follows amendments to the Criminal Code enacted in mid-March 2024, wich raised the threshold for theft to be considered a criminal offence from €266 to €700 and eliminated the automatic criminal designation for repeat offenses under that amount.
“Stealing is not worth it,” stated Šutaj Eštok at a joint press conference with Susko, while acknowledging the rising number of incidents. Both ministers maintain the increase is unrelated to the revised Criminal Code.
Susko specifically indicated municipal work would be targeted towards individuals lacking property. the ministers have yet to detail how this program will be implemented or funded.
The ministers’ response comes amid growing criticism that the reforms have emboldened thieves and created a climate of impunity. Šutaj Eštok highlighted the aggression and recidivism of perpetrators as a key concern.
