By: Nyima Sillah
Public Relation Officers of the Gambia Security Services recently conducted a follow-up press briefing and call for zero crime operations
The press briefing aimed at enhancing public confidence and as well solicits support from the general public to collaborate and partner with the security personnel in the fight against crime.
Speaking at the organized press briefing, Lamin Njie Police PRO, appealed to the general public to support the Operation Zero Crime to ensure a solid partnership with the security and also to quickly share information about any unusual activity happening within their community.
“We want to assure the public that the security services will not relent in ensuring that crime is dealt with, curtailed and reduced to the nearest minimum level as far as law enforcement is concern,” he assured.
According to him, Operation Zero Crime comprises the entire sister security services as their main activities involve both vehicles and foot patrols. And also, mount of vehicle checkpoints in various strategic places to ensure that the emerging situation of crime perpetrated by taxi drivers is control.
He added that the Operation Zero Crime phase 2 is paying specific attention to taxi drivers involving in crime and crime related issues which is why they focusing mainly on spot checking at various checkpoints in the country. This gears towards ensuring that all the emerging crimes are dealt with as they come on board.
PRO Njie further disclosed that from the 16 of April to the 23 of May 2021, the total number of arrest done was 265 individuals of which 49 after screening them were found not connected to any crime and were released immediately, 27 of them were arrested for drug matters and their cases have been taken to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency The Gambia (DLEAG).
He added that eighty eight (88) individuals were arrested and sent to the GID as their cases have to do with Immigration related matters for further actions to be taken by the Gambia Immigration Department (GID).
However, PRO Njie continued that others were arrested and charged with criminal offenses ranging from going armed in public, breaking and stealing, possession of suspected stolen properties as well as traffic matters of which thirteen (13) of them are already been put before the courts.
“Receiving of stolen properties is a crime, so people must not in any way encourage buying stolen properties or keeping them in their possession. Because every stolen property taken from other people’s houses are sold to other people who encourage petty theft,” he noted.