Perception of insecurity grows despite the fact that the figures indicate otherwise

In relation to 2019, this year the Police report fewer crimes in the capital of Ecuador, Quito.

A total of 9 118 crimes are reported by the National Police, from January 1 to November 6, 2020, in Quito. In the same period of 2019, 13.222 were registered, which would imply a reduction of 31%.

According to the Police, robberies of pedestrians in the streets, avenues, squares and parks comprise the highest number this year. The residents of 1.269 neighborhoods would be the most affected by crime.

For General Alain Luna, commander of the Metropolitan District, it is important to know that there are cases that are not reported.

“The analysis of crime through the statistical issue is supported by complaints. As there are people who, for various reasons, do not report the crimes of which they are victims, the figures will never be exact, “he said.

Faced with this situation, the Police have configured several strategies to deal with the problem. One of them is that the presence of uniformed personnel has intensified at the points where complaints have been registered. In that group are the Guangüiltagua and La Carolina Metropolitan Parks, as well as the Chaquiñán Route.

Other measures are the protection of cyclists, reinforcement of operations with special groups, greater security in public transport through surveillance with personnel in civilian clothes, permanent interventions in the cache, support and strengthening in sensitive areas with the officers who are about to graduate, among others.

César Díaz, Secretary of Security and Governance, indicated that the Municipality has implemented plans to collaborate with the Police, such as the implementation of 10.518 security cameras.

Likewise, 1.237 community alarms were installed and approximately 200 safety committees were formed. But the testimonies of neighbors and neighborhood leaders show that the perception of insecurity and fear are increasing.

According to William Basrantes, president of the Federation of Southern Neighborhoods, not all strategies work and there are still aspects to be polished.

The leader added that the number of police officers is insufficient to meet the citizen demand.

Marco Moya, president of the Confederation of Neighborhoods of Ecuador, commented, on the other hand, that in 25 neighborhoods they have joined together to form night patrol brigades, given the lack of effectiveness of the projects applied by the authorities.

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