Crime rate on the increase at Congo Cross
Residents of Congo Cross in the western area, at the centre of Freetown have raised serious concerns about the perpetual increase in the crime rate in the area saying that they now live in fear of their lives and safety on a daily basis. Commanding Officer of Congo Cross Police Station Inspector Augustine Zazer in an interview with Sierra Express Media stated that there has been a phenomenal increase in crime in the surrounding environment, especially places like Signal Hill, Congo Cross, and Murray Town in and that people are not too comfortable with the development. He said within two months the Police have received reports of 106 serious crimes, ranging from theft, robbery, domestic violence, and rape. Â Inspector Augustine Zazer further said the area authorities and police have organized many sensitization workshops to combat the increase in crime rate. Inspector Augustine Zazer observed that the majority of the youths are idle and in dire need of jobs so that they are able to be doing things that will sustain them and take them away from crime and wrong doing.
France Smith, a member of the Police Partnerships Board, he noted has been working very closely with the police to ensure that the crime rate in the Congo Cross area is reduced but the situation keeps deteriorating due to the high rate of unemployment that has besieged them. Congo Cross, Signal Hill, and Murray Town can only boast of this one police station covering a very large territory with teaming population, said France.
Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Congo Cross Police Station, Superintendent Joes revealed to Sierra Express Media that work is actually difficult but as an experienced officer, he tries tremendously with his able lieutenants to put the situation under control. He also confirmed that the crime rate had been on the increase before he took over as LUC, however, since then with the help of the stakeholders in the community things are returning to normality. Speaking about his constrains the LUC referred it to the present situations they are faced with, that is, they need more personnel in order to combat issues.
Furthermore, Superintendent Joes, stated the support of the Congo Cross youths is required. The police need the youths’ cooperation by giving them relevant information which they can act on immediately so that they can secure and protect the entire nation. At so meetings, elders and youths are concerned about community welfare, which is the primary duty of the police. He said, they can assure them with their presence and that the force will continue to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators so peace can prevailed in the entire Congo Cross Community.
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