Crime rates have increased in the Eastern Region in the month of January from 522 cases reported in January last year to 583 cases this year, according to police statistics.
As a counter-measure, Eastern Region Police have embarked on a large-scale awareness campaign aimed at educating the public on crime prevention strategies.
Regional Community Policing Coordinator, Sazalabika Zimba, made these remarks during a whistle-stop campaign in the region on Thursday.
Zimba emphasised the urgency of the campaign saying cases were rising at a supersonic speed.
He expressed hope that the campaigns might reduce the figures by half since people will have information and knowledge on how to prevent criminal cases.
Commenting on the development, Carlos Kapinga from M’baluku in Mangochi applauded the authorities in the region for the exercise.
Kapinga also urged the public to refrain from all forms of criminal activities and focus on developing the country.
Rose Dennis from Machinga appealed to Malawian to take full responsibility in combating criminology.
By Emily M’mangisa, MANA
