A steady downward trend in murders has emerged in the Vitebsk region

March 19, Vitebsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. A positive trend of reduction in murders and attempted murders has emerged in the Vitebsk region, as reported to BELTA correspondent by the Prosecutor of the Vitebsk region Gennady Dysko. Thus, gradually decreasing over the past five years, the number of these crimes last year amounted to 92 compared to 128 in 2007. The dynamics are maintained for the results of January-February of the current year - 11 and 18 respectively. According to Gennady Dysko, one of the main measures that has led to a sustained reduction in these crimes has been the holding of an interdepartmental coordination council. Through the joint efforts of all interested departments, targeted preventive work has been established. The method of public condemnation, where law enforcement officers provide information about offenders and potential criminals to work collectives, is effective. The preventive effect is brought about by initiating criminal cases against individuals prone to alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Bringing such individuals to justice for minor offenses makes them think twice before committing another crime. Gennady Dysko also noted that most murders and attempted murders in the Vitebsk region are committed in domestic settings during conflicts or after drinking alcohol. Crimes committed for mercenary motives have become rare, and contract killings were not encountered at all last year. -0-