Mayor sounds warning amidst rising crime rates

These are not easy days for Vicenza, with episodes of crime unfolding. And if it's not easy for the city, it's not easy for those who govern it and have to provide answers to the citizens. The initial moves should be seen this week - with a committee for public order and security, along with increased patrols - followed by actions in the medium to long term, including surveillance projects and cameras.
"I am the first to think that things cannot go on like this. As the mayor, the recent news are deeply concerning - the words of Giacomo Possamai, who is also in charge of security -. We cannot tolerate the people of Vicenza being afraid to go out late in the city center and in the neighborhoods."
Possamai's concern echoes that of many residents who, even on social media, admit to no longer feeling comfortable moving alone. This, clearly, is alarming. "I also hear from people who are worried and therefore change their habits," acknowledges Possamai, "and this cannot and must not happen." For two reasons, in particular: "On the one hand, because it's a vicious circle – with fewer people around, the streets become more dangerous. On the other hand, because it's not right. Everyone should be able to live their lives without worrying about moving around." And to this aim, "a shared effort is needed." "I had long discussions with the prefect - he continues - the heads of law enforcement, and the commander of the local police. A committee for public order and security will be convened very soon to develop an even more stringent presence in the city. The appeal I will make is to concentrate every possible effort on the capital and to be able to review the situation weekly within the committee itself." As for the local police, "we have agreed to enhance patrols in the city center and neighborhoods, after a significant increase in the presence of the local police in recent months. Functions have changed, and there are more officers on the streets, in addition to the eight new recruits currently in training." Also revisited is the security project that a group of storekeepers and venue operators had been working on in recent months, determined to invest in a private security service. The project was shelved partly due to costs and partly due to coordination difficulties, as it had originated at the grassroots level.
"I want to resume the consideration - assures the mayor - I was aware of the project, which did not materialize, and on our part, we’re willing to understand if there is a possibility to facilitate such an activity. Restaurants and stores are crucial for the life of the historic center and neighborhoods; we have a duty to help them." "Shortly - he continues - we will present nine new cameras in the neighborhoods of Santa Lucia, Ponte degli Angeli, San Pietro, Eretenio, and Ponte Furo, to be installed in the first half of 2024. We are already preparing a project for additional new cameras in the west and east of the city, extending surveillance to neighborhoods that are currently largely uncovered." The current situation, he adds, "makes it even more crucial for the soldiers of Safe Streets to arrive as soon as possible, because this will allow for a fixed presence in the station area, Quadrilatero, and Campo Marzo, concentrating the efforts of law enforcement in other areas."