New Armed Violence Monitor Marks the Largest Number of Weapon Seizures Recorded in a Single Quarter

The latest Regional Quarterly Armed Violence Monitor (October–December 2024), published by SEESAC, provides a comprehensive overview of firearm-related incidents in South East Europe (SEE). Covering six Western Balkans jurisdictions and Moldova, the report sheds light on key trends in armed violence and its impact on citizens.

Key Findings:

  • A total of 914 firearm incidents were recorded in the last quarter of 2024, marking a slight decrease from the previous quarter.
  • Weapon seizures dominated with 514 cases, accounting for 56% of all recorded incidents and marking the largest number of weapon seizures recorded in a single quarter under the AVMP.
  • Firearm-related deaths fell by 15%, with 34 people killed, while firearm suicides dropped by 38%.
  • Firearm incidents in the criminal context increased by 36%, primarily due to a rise in armed robberies and incidents linked to organized crime.
  • 110 cases of undetermined shootings were reported, making it the third most common type of incident.
  • Firearm incidents in the domestic setting dropped by 40% from the third quarter of 2024.
  • Seizures of explosive devices saw a sharp rise, driven by increased seizures of pyrotechnic devices, which increased by 30% compared to the same period in 2023.
  • While the Monitor highlights some positive trends, it also highlights persistent threats posed by illicit firearms possession, with 74% of recorded cases involving illegal weapons.

Findings from this quarter provide valuable insights for policymakers and relevant authorities, thus helping in the development of strategies that reduce armed violence and create a safer region.

Read the full report here.

About the Armed Violence Monitoring Platform (AVMP)

The Armed Violence Monitoring Platform (AVMP) has been tracking firearm-related incidents in South East Europe since 2014. It collects detailed data from media and public institution reports covering the Western Balkans and Moldova.

The collected data ranges from the type of incident, firearms used, victim/perpetrator’ demographic, and outcome of the incident, among others, providing essential insights for arms control efforts and policymaking. By making this data accessible, the platform supports targeted interventions to reduce the impact of armed violence on civilians.

The AVMP is currently supported with funding from the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/3006 to support SEESAC disarmament and arms control activities in South-East Europe, reducing the threat of illicit small arms and light weapons and their ammunition.

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