
The Christmas season is upon us, in case you did not notice, and the government of the Dominican Republic has just launched its yearly program to reduce crime and violence during the holidays.
Dominicans arriving from abroad loaded with cash and gifts, and employees receiving billions in the Christmas bonus are attractive crime targets.
Over the years there are reports of persons being assaulted on their way from an airport to their family’s residence. During the holiday seasons, street crime and violence also reaches a peak, due to the increased consumption of alcohol during this period.
As part of the government prevention efforts, Vice President Raquel Peña over the weekend headed the startup of this year’s seasonal citizen protection program. It is called “Christmas Operation Commitment for Lives 2021.” As usual, it will see additional foot patrols in residential areas that are known centers of crime, as well as motorized patrols along the highways from the airports and in the cities.
Interior and Police Minister Jesus (Chu) Vasquez launched the National Integrated Strategy for Citizen Safety, this time in Santiago de los Caballeros. The program is aimed at low income sectors of the city: Los Jardines, Cienfuegos, Pueblo Nuevo, Nibaje, La Joya, Baracoa, La Otra Banda, Los Pepines, Ensanche Bermudez. The security around the city center and shopping areas is also being upped. This plan had been previously put into play in Santo Domingo and San Francisco de Macoris with some success.
The Police are not playing around. They have dozens of new pickup trucks, over 60 motorcycles, seven tactical units (SWAT) and four mobile jails or detention trucks to bolster security, as reported.
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Listin Diario
Listin Diario
El Caribe
6 December 2021