The Sliema Residents Association has called for a return to traditional policing amid a rise in crime.

The association said it would like to see policemen walking and talking to residents as this would help suppress minor and serious offences while building better interaction between residents, the business community and police.

The statement was issued following a rise in the number of violent assaults, including the fatal attack on an elderly woman in Dingli Street and the ‘rooftop robbers’ burglary last week, which was foiled by barking dogs.

“Many have found that asking the police force to return to patrolling on foot or on bicycle has had a very positive impact on local relations with residents and brought down petty crime, which is what affects the majority of us most frequently.”