Africa-Press – Cape verde. The National Police (PN) of São Vicente has reinforced policing until 5 January, through the “Safe Christmas and New Year’s Eve” operation. The aim is to combat crime, at a time when it tends to increase, the police force announced today.
At a press conference held this morning, the Commander of the Monte Sossego Police Station and the Intervention Corps Detachment, Commissioner Madelino da Luz, presented the established objectives.
“Considerably increase raids, searches and inspections, aiming to reduce crime, increase police visibility in places with a large movement of people and goods, control sensitive urban areas and identify suspicious individuals, with a view to preventing crime”, he said.
The operational plan began on Tuesday. More than 230 officers are involved, supported by dozens of vehicles and 300 video surveillance cameras.
According to the police chief, the plan includes increasing police presence in nightlife areas and establishments, with actions aimed at controlling weapons, noise pollution, the presence of minors and opening hours.
“To increase monitoring in various areas of the PN, namely, to intensify road inspections, to reinforce inspections of hotels and similar establishments, to intensify actions to prevent and combat tax fraud and evasion, to increase control and monitoring of the movement of people in ports and airports, as well as the regularity of maritime activities, to maintain police control over public, private and religious activities, ensuring the necessary security”, he said.
The operation involves the participation of all police units. On the ground, there are already results. In an operation carried out this Tuesday, two people were arrested for possession of narcotics and a bladed weapon.
In total, 175 individuals were approached and six were identified. Eighteen portions of hashish, 10 packages of cannabis, a mobile phone, a headset and 970 escudos were seized. Of the 123 vehicles inspected, 11 were seized, including six cars, two mopeds and a bicycle.
The National Police Commissioner gave some recommendations to people to ensure their own safety.
“Avoid carrying large amounts of money or valuables. When you decide to consume alcohol, the advice is not to drive. Regarding the abandonment of residences – because it is a time when nightlife changes –, take precautions to ensure the security of your residence to reduce the chances of crimes occurring”, he advises.
The National Police ensures that urban patrols and police visibility are stepped up in the city and in areas further away from the centre.
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