Editorial

Reported crime in Malta has increased seven-fold over the last 50 years, rising from about 15,000 in the 1960s to about 105,000 in the first five years of this century. This is the startling result of a detailed survey of "reported crime" by criminologist Saviour Formosa, who lectures at the University of Malta and has just launched the CrimeWatch website.

While all developed countries in western Europe have experienced steep increases in reported crime, it is still surprising to find that Malta, which most would regard as being remarkably peaceful and safe, is also afflicted by the same rising crime trends. What makes the figures more worrying is Dr Formosa's statement that the actual crime rate could be higher still since 50 per cent of crimes go unreported. These are what are known as "the dark figures of crime". As if 105,000 cases of crime is not already dark enough!

The real value of the work carried out by Dr Formosa, however, lies in his detailed analysis not only of the type of crime but, more pertinently, which areas of Malta - termed crime hot-spots - are most susceptible to incidences of crime. Thus, over the last decade the areas where crime has been most reported are St Julians, followed by Sliema, St Paul's Bay and Valletta, whereas Marsaxlokk, Ta' Xbiex, Pembroke and Gozo are spared in comparison.

The most reported types of crime generally, as well as in the hot-spots, are theft followed by damage to property. Given that the areas of highest crime are those with the greatest density of recreational and retail outlets, as well as high population density, especially during the peak visitor season, it is not surprising that a direct correlation can be drawn from all these factors.

The results of the research serve as a database for more detailed information about the incidence of crime in different localities, which is invaluable to those whose professions are directly affected by it - the police, private security firms, insurance agencies and local councils - but also to the private citizen.

An assessment of risk is useful to private home owners, potential property buyers and to those whose businesses - whether retail or entertainment - are located there and who may be particularly vulnerable to the type of crime being committed in that area. Forewarned is forearmed.

Armed with this information, it is hoped that the Commissioner of Police will not only take note but also ensure that the deployment of his stretched police forces will reflect the priorities identified by the crime hot-spots.

This is not, however, purely a police matter. Citizens too have a responsibility for crime prevention. Theft and damage to property are both crimes that citizens who are alert to them can prevent. They can take sensible steps to reduce the chance of such crimes occurring by taking proper precautions to secure their own property. And they can alert the police to any suspicious behaviour or crime the moment it occurs so that the police response can be timely and stands a better chance of succeeding.

The public should act as the eyes of the police on the street. Alas, neighbourhood watch schemes, which, if well organised and run properly, can prove to be very efficient, are not widespread in Malta. At one time the police themselves used to promote the idea but it is not known whether the drive persists.

In addition, the police still fail miserably when it comes to good public relations and communications, of the kind that will encourage the people to be more forthcoming in assisting their guardians in uniform. Unfortunately, in this regard, the fish rots from the head.

It is up to each and every member of society to be pro-active in fighting to keep Malta as crime-free as possible because this not only contributes most positively to their own quality of life but is also a key selling point for the tourism industry and in attracting foreign direct investment to Malta.