Global Scans · Crime · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Crime is morphing away from traditional methods to more sophisticated technological approaches. A decline of traditional hierarchical criminal groups and networks will be accompanied by the expansion of a virtual criminal underground made up of individual criminal entrepreneurs. At the same time, forward-looking agencies are equipping themselves with smart technologies to outfox the criminals. Keep up to date with crime changes below.

• [New] Ongoing support for people and AI working together, with matched world rules, will matter for making police work more effective, fair, and reliable over time. The Watchtower
• [New] According to Versaterm's 2025 Public Safety Trends Survey, 61% of police leaders expect their drone budgets to increase over 2026, with top priorities including search and rescue missions, large event security and drone-as-first-responder programs. Voyageur Group
• [New] Two of the most prominent initiatives have emerged in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, where police forces are testing data-driven models designed to anticipate crime before it occurs. Euro Prospects
• [New] The UK's West Midlands Police researched systems using a combination of AI and statistics to predict violent crimes. National Law Review
• [New] Argentina recently announced an Applied Artificial Intelligence for Security Unit specifically to use machine learning algorithms to analyze historical crime data to predict future crimes. National Law Review
• [New] Hong Kong plans to expand its surveillance network by installing 60,000 AI-powered facial recognition cameras by 2028, significantly increasing from the current 4,000 under its SmartView crime-fighting programme. Inforrm's Blog
• [New] A prime illustration is the deployment of robotic patrol dogs, such as Boston Dynamics' Spot, which have been integrated into police forces for scenarios demanding reconnaissance without endangering human lives. The Watchtower
• [New] The unnecessary deployment of military troops, untrained for local policing, will escalate tensions and undermine the ordinary law enforcement activities of state and local entities, which would need to divert resources to maintain safety and order. SCOTUSblog
• [New] A substantial proportion of all incidents handled by the NCSC last year were linked to advanced persistent threat actors - either nation state actors or highly capable criminal groups. UKAuthority
• [New] Iran is driven by a desire for vengeance against Israel and will use whatever weapons and cash it can scrounge up to proliferate and foster terrorism. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• [New] An al-Qaeda terrorist could be released from prison in just months as the Jihadi behind a ricin poison attack plot faces parole in December. Counter Extremism Project
• [New] Future Innovations Dubai Police plan to launch the Middle East's first floating Smart Police Station by 2026, providing maritime services. The Times Of India
• [New] More significantly, the UK anticipates core defence spending rising toward 3.5% of GDP, with an additional 1.5% allocated for broader national security investments encompassing cyber defence, counter-terrorism, and critical infrastructure protection. Second Line of Defense
• [New] Do not travel to Sudan due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, and health threats. U.S. Embassy in Egypt
• [New] There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in Sudan. U.S. Embassy in Egypt
• [New] Singapore plans to introduce mandatory caning for individuals convicted of scams and related crimes under new criminal law reforms. The Asia Cable
• [New] Tennessee National Guard troops will begin patrolling Memphis today, providing additional eyes and ears to Memphis police officers. Just Security
• Canada, Australia, Italy, and Ireland have issued a major travel alert for the United Kingdom this fall 2025, citing increased safety risks due to rising political tensions, terrorism threats, and potential travel disruptions from protests. Travel And Tour World
• Irish citizens are advised to exercise a high degree of caution due to the ongoing threats of terrorism and the potential for civil unrest. Travel And Tour World
• While incidents of violent crime are considered rare, the Italian government urges travelers to be extra cautious in crowded places like London's Oxford Street and public transport systems, where the risk of pickpocketing and other petty crimes is more common. Travel And Tour World
• In addition to the terrorism threat, Australia's advisory warns travelers about the risk of violent protests. Travel And Tour World

Last updated: 25 October 2025