Kapit police aim to lower number of violent crimes

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KAPIT: Police here are aiming to further curb crime after successfully lowering the crime rate last year.

In 2009, the number of violent crimes dropped to 18 compared to 36 the year before, while 36 burglaries were recorded last year compared to 48 in 2008.

The rate of crimes solved increased with 33 out of 54 cases solved or 61.11 per cent in 2009.

In 2008, 49 of the 84 cases or 55.95 per cent were solved.

Kapit police headquarters Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer-in-charge ASP Chiew Swoi Kee attributed last year’s success to effective police strategy in countering criminal activity coupled with cooperation from the public.

“I thank the community for the full support rendered to the police in Kapit for the whole year of 2009. With your co-operation and support, the police managed to reduce the crime rate as compared to the corresponding period in 2008. The crime rate was reduced some 30 per cent.

“The police are looking forward to continued support and cooperation from the public as well as my men in their effort to maintain peace and a healthy life, and looking after the property of the people,” he said.

Chiew was speaking at the ‘Thank You Dinner’ hosted by the police social, welfare and recreation club recently.

“Any unintentional wrongdoing or mistakes in the course of discharging duty, the public should forgive our weaknesses. At this dinner, we hope to maintain the existing good relations and rapport between the police and the public for the good of this community.

“Let’s us work together to further reduce the crime rate,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malay community leader Pemanca Badi Nuawi praised police here for their dedication and commitment to discharge the responsibility entrusted to them.

“Contrary to the past, these few years, we don’t receive or hear many complaints about the members of the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) serving here. This is something most encouraging and a positive sign towards projecting the good image of the leading agency to maintain peace and security.

“The confidence and trust of the rakyat towards police integrity and discipline certainly helps to build confidence towards greater cooperation between the public and law enforcers,” he said.

He attributed the drop in crime to the close cooperation between the police and public.

“The police deserve the credit for their effective policing tactics to deter would-be criminals.

“Of course public cooperation by providing information was also very important to keep police informed of any undesirable elements or activities in society,” he said.

Badi added that the town’s expansion with more economic activities has led to an increase in the presence of foreigners.

He hoped  enforcement agencies like the police, Immigration Department and Rela will work together to ensure that foreign workers have valid documents and permits to stay here, and that they would not pose any threat to security.