Ordu and Istanbul officials report 2026 crime and security data

Turkish officials have released security and crime statistics for the first nine months of 2026, highlighting divergent trends in Ordu and Istanbul.

In Ordu, Governor Muammer Erol reported a 3.7% increase in crimes against persons compared to September 2025. Most notably, intentional homicide cases doubled from four to eight. Other increases were noted in sexual harassment and sexual assault, while sexual abuse of children decreased by 23.6% and violations of domestic peace decreased by 8.4%.

In Istanbul, Governor Davut Gül reported that operations against terrorist organizations increased by 20% during the first nine months of 2026. Additionally, 343 operations were conducted against organized crime groups, resulting in the dismantling of 130 gangs. While organized crime efforts intensified, crimes against persons saw a 2% decrease, and property crimes such as car theft and pickpocketing also declined significantly.