Thousands of elderly residents in Athens are being targeted by criminal networks using deception schemes, while official crime data shows changing patterns in theft, burglary and fraud across Greece.
According to figures from the Hellenic Police (ELAS), around three in every 1,000 residents of Athens became victims of theft or burglary during the first months of 2026. Based on current trends, authorities estimate that by the end of the year the figure could reach around one in 100 residents of the capital.
At the same time, fraud cases remain a growing concern, particularly scams targeting older people. During the same period, around one in every 700 elderly residents of Athens fell victim to fraud schemes, with criminals often posing as electricity company employees, accountants or doctors.
Fraud cases continue to rise
While theft and burglary incidents have shown a relative decline compared with 2025, fraud cases continue to increase, according to ELAS data.
In the first four months of 2026, fraud incidents in the wider Attica region increased by 37% compared with the same period last year. This follows a 41% rise in 2025 compared with 2024.
Despite repeated police operations against these groups, public warnings and awareness campaigns, authorities say many elderly victims continue to fall for sophisticated schemes.
Police data shows that thousands of similar cases are recorded, with criminal groups repeatedly using similar methods against vulnerable residents.
Athens areas with higher fraud risks
By May 2026, Attica had recorded 1,980 fraud cases, compared with 1,445 during the same period in 2025.
The highest number of incidents was recorded in central Athens, accounting for 35.7% of cases, followed by northern suburbs with 23.7% and western Attica with 20.3%.
When population size is taken into account, around five out of every 10,000 residents in Attica became victims of fraud in 2026, compared with four per 10,000 last year.
However, elderly residents face significantly higher risks, as people over the age of 60 represent around 32% of Athens’ population and are the main targets of many criminal schemes.
Southern suburbs see increased pressure
The southern suburbs of Athens have seen a notable rise in fraud targeting elderly residents.
The data shows that in these areas, the number of elderly victims increased from 12 per 10,000 residents in the first months of 2025 to 18 per 10,000 in 2026 — equivalent to around one victim for every 550 residents.
Authorities estimate that, if the trend continues, one in 170 elderly residents in these areas could become a fraud victim by the end of the year.
The highest frequency of such attacks has been recorded in areas including Glyfada, with 128 reported cases in 2025, Ilioupoli with 76 cases, and Vari–Vouliagmeni with 70.
Theft and burglary rates decline
Beyond fraud, crime data shows a slight improvement in theft and burglary rates.
Across Greece, around 14 people per 10,000 residents became victims of theft or burglary in 2026, compared with 16 per 10,000 during the same period last year.
Attica remains the region with the highest concentration of such crimes, accounting for 61.2% of recorded incidents, with around 24 victims per 10,000 residents.
Central Athens recorded the highest rate, with 33 victims per 10,000 residents.
Other areas with higher rates include Thessaloniki, where around 21 residents per 10,000 were targeted, followed by the Peloponnese with 14 and Western Greece with 10.
The lowest rates were recorded in the North Aegean islands and Epirus, with around two victims per 10,000 residents.
