Theft cases rise in Lebanon: Are streets becoming less safe?

From stolen motorcycles and break-ins to armed robberies targeting individuals and businesses, theft continues to be reported across different parts of Lebanon. In recent months, security forces have announced several arrests involving suspects accused of operating in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, the Bekaa and other regions.

Some incidents have involved individuals stealing belongings from shops or parked vehicles, while others have involved armed groups targeting people and businesses. The Internal Security Forces (ISF) have continued to investigate these cases, identifying suspects and dismantling gangs involved in repeated thefts.

But how widespread have these incidents become, and what do the latest figures reveal about theft in Lebanon?

What do the latest figures show?

Speaking to The Beiruter, policy research specialist Mohamed Chamseddine revealed that the number of theft incidents reported to the ISF increased during the first ten months of 2026 compared with the same period last year.

"From the beginning of the current year until the end of October, the number of theft incidents reported to the Internal Security Forces reached 3,541 cases," Chamseddine said.

"During the same period last year, the number was 3,232 cases," he added.

This represents an increase of 309 reported incidents, or approximately 9.5 percent.

Chamseddine also provided figures for September and October, showing that the number of reported thefts rose from 337 in September to 395 in October. This amounts to 58 additional cases in just one month.

"So, we can say that there has been an increase in the number of theft incidents, but it remains limited," he said.

From street thefts to armed robberies

In Beirut and Mount Lebanon, recent investigations have uncovered thefts involving everything from motorcycles and mobile phones to cash and belongings stolen from commercial establishments.

One of the more recent cases was announced on October 27, when the ISF arrested a woman suspected of stealing from shops in several Beirut neighborhoods, including Ras El Nabeh, Tallet El Khayat and Basta. The reported thefts also extended to Bourj Hammoud, Bourj El Barajneh and Haret Hreik. According to the ISF, the woman was arrested while attempting to steal from another shop in Beirut.

Earlier that month, security forces arrested a suspected member of a gang involved in thefts and pickpocketing across Beirut and Mount Lebanon. During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted to stealing motorcycles, mobile phones and belongings from individuals, homes and restaurants. According to the ISF, he also admitted to handing stolen goods to other gang members in exchange for drugs.

Other investigations have involved larger robberies targeting businesses. In September, the ISF arrested a suspect accused of stealing safes from commercial establishments in several areas, including Hazmieh, Dekwaneh, Airport Road, Ouzai, Raouche, Hadath, Chiyah and Corniche El Mazraa. A pistol and 13 bullets were found in his possession.

The same month, another arrest took place in Aanout, Chouf, where security forces detained a suspected gang leader wanted under five judicial warrants. The charges included armed robbery, attempted murder and shooting. According to the ISF, the suspect admitted to participating in robberies alongside other individuals.

The reported incidents have not been limited to Beirut and Mount Lebanon. In the Bekaa, the Lebanese Army announced on September 21 the arrest of three individuals in the Chtoura-Zahle area. The suspects were accused of forming a gang involved in armed robberies, impersonating security personnel and assaulting civilians. The Army also reported recovering stolen money during the operation.

Security forces pursue theft gangs

While several arrests were announced in September and October, investigations into organized thefts had already been taking place earlier in the year.

In August, the ISF arrested two suspected members of a gang accused of carrying out robberies targeting individuals and motorcycles in areas including BIEL, Costa Brava and Ramlet El Baida. According to the security forces, the suspects admitted to participating in several incidents.

Later that month, another investigation led to the arrest of two suspects accused of stealing from homes, offices and commercial establishments in Mount Lebanon. The incidents included locations such as Jdeideh and Zouk Mosbeh. Investigators reported that the suspects used a Kia Picanto during their operations and continued working to identify other individuals believed to be involved.

Similar cases had also been reported earlier in the year. In June, the ISF announced the arrest of a suspected gang leader accused of carrying out armed robberies in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. The investigation followed several reported incidents, including an attempted motorcycle robbery in Saadiyat on June 9.

Theft investigations have also involved residential and commercial properties. In May, the ISF Information Branch announced arrests linked to a gang accused of breaking into homes and businesses in Mount Lebanon. Among the reported incidents was the theft of decorative items from a business in Dora on April 29.

Across these cases, security forces reported recovering stolen property, identifying additional suspects and continuing investigations into individuals believed to be involved in criminal groups.