French authorities recorded increases in violent and property crime during the first half of 2026, despite reporting progress against homicides, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration.
Across St. Martin and St. Barthélemy, offences against persons increased by six percent, while property crime rose by eight percent. Domestic violence cases increased by one-point-four percent.
In St. Martin, authorities recorded 563 intentional-violence offences, compared with 518 during the same period last year. Property crimes increased from 667 to 753.
However, homicides fell sharply, with one recorded during the first six months of 2026, compared with six last year.
Authorities also dismantled 57 percent more drug-trafficking operations and arrested 22 people allegedly involved in armed violence.
Police and Gendarmes conducted more than 21,700 patrol hours, intensified proactive operations by 32 percent, and inspected 36 known drug-dealing locations.
Traffic accidents and injuries declined, but fatalities increased from two to three.
Authorities reported an overall crime-detection rate of 53 percent across both northern islands.