Theft And Vandalism Occur Daily In St Paul’s Bay, Figures Show
St Paul’s Bay, Malta’s largest town, receives at least one police report of theft and vandalism every single day.
Following a parliamentary question from MP Ivan Castillo, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri revealed that 2,500 crimes were reported to police between 2020 and 2021.
That’s about four police reports a day and it appears that the figure is growing, with police receiving almost 200 more reports in 2021.
According to figures, theft (805) and vandalism (784) make up the bulk of the reports.
Meanwhile, there were also substantial reports of domestic violence (217) and fraud (204).
However, Camilleri claimed that the local council of St Paul’s Bay, which also covers Qawra, Xemxija, Bugibba, is yet to submit a request for funding to set up CCTVs in the area.
The fund refers to a €3 million kitty from LESA to improve security.
St Paul’s Bay’s population has almost doubled in the space of 10 years, climbing by 95.4% between 2011 and 2021.
It is also facing a major demographic shift with a 471% increase in foreigners.
It has come with its own challenges with serial vandals targeting the streets including members of the local council.
Meanwhile, complaints over mountains of rubbish in the area are regular.
Is CCTV enough to address the issue?
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