The Vitebsk region police will pay special attention to 'registered' individuals and the identification of locations frequented by antisocial elements

The final meeting reviewed the results of the operational and service activities of the region's law enforcement officers. The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Lieutenant General of Militia Igor Shunevich, was present.

- The level of public safety in the country is quite high. Unfortunately, our efforts to maintain order are not always adequately appreciated by citizens, but I, as before, assert that there can never be too many measures to identify and suppress offenses and crimes, - said Igor Shunevich. - The crime situation in the Vitebsk region is generally under control. However, in some districts, prevention of alcohol abuse is not well-established. There are enough tools to combat such individuals, but sometimes there is simply a lack of принципиальность and professionalism on the part of law enforcement representatives.

As noted by the Head of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Major General of Militia Ivan Kubrakov, the region's police performed quite confidently in 2018. In recent years, the crime rate has been decreasing: in 2016, 90.9 cases per 10,000 population were recorded, in 2017 - 86.8, and in 2018 - 81.7.

- The preventive measures taken have prevented an increase in grave and especially grave crimes, as well as crimes committed by minors, persons under the influence of alcohol, and in public places, - reported Ivan Vladimirovich. - At the same time, due to negative trends in crimes against individuals, in 2019, we will pay special attention to individuals on various registers and to identifying the whereabouts of antisocial elements.

The total number of criminal offenses decreased from 10,317 to 9,675, including a decrease in robberies (-24%), muggings (-8.3%), thefts (-11%), and rapes (-64%).

— The number of high-tech crimes is growing, most of which are computer-based theft, — Ivan Kubrakov clarified. — Drug-related crimes have decreased, but the volume of seized drugs and psychotropic substances has increased from 71.5 to 104.5 kg.

Despite the reduction in key accident indicators, the road situation in the region remains quite tense, with an increase in traffic accidents involving children and cyclists. Last year, 65 people died on the roads, and 376 were injured.

In conclusion, Igor Shunevich thanked the personnel of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Regional Executive Committee for the conscientious performance of assigned tasks, including with the help of the public and authorities.

He also presented state awards, and the best internal affairs departments of the region traditionally received the "Saint George – Award of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee" challenge prize and service vehicles.

The "Saint George – Award of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee" challenge prize for the best internal affairs units of the Vitebsk region is being awarded for the second time. The award was established on the initiative of the officers' assembly of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Regional Executive Committee on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Belarusian police. The symbol is a bronze statuette of Saint George.

In 2018, the Sharkaushchyna, Chashniki, and Polotsk District Departments of Internal Affairs, and the Novopolotsk City Department of Internal Affairs became the recipients of the prizes. By the way, the activities of the latter two departments received high praise for the second year in a row.

— This is a logical result of the work of all employees of the department. Of course, we do not work for awards and titles, but it is still pleasant that our efforts have been recognized by higher management, — emphasized the head of the Novopolotsk City Department of Internal Affairs, Vladimir Dubrovisky. — I hope that we will continue to achieve success in our service activities in order to ensure order and tranquility in the city.

EDUARD KAROLEVICH, photos by Dmitry OSIPOV, "Vitebskiye Vesti".