I refer to the article entitled ‘Car parks prove fertile grounds for criminals’ (The Sunday Times of Malta, April 5). Kindly note that nowhere in my annual crime review report was there any reference to Malta International Airport.
The article states that “Ta’ Xbiex and Malta International Airport could be more at risk of car-related crimes.”
This statement does not reflect the review (www.crimemalta.com) as the latter refers to localities as against specific zones within the social, infrastructural and environmental structures. The Risc rates relate to a locality level as against a hotspot approach, thus any pointers to a specific spatial location and its related industry/service do not render the study justice.
We have been inundated with queries for information and justifications as based on the MIA zone, which result from an interpretation of my report by The Sunday Times of Malta. We have been actively involved in ensuring data harmonisation and factual reporting.
Editorial note: In his report, the author notes that “these towns [including Gudja] host the largest parking and transport-related activities that attract offenders to high volume and relatively less monitored opportunities”. In the case of Gudja, Malta International Airport car park fits that description.