Windhoek — The general feeling is that the crime rate has dropped at Swakopmund since the establishment of a Police Public Relations Committee (PPRC) a couple of months ago.

Although statistics are not yet available to prove this, the Police and those serving on the committee feel that fewer housebreakings, thefts and robberies were reported in March. The PPRC brings together the Police, private security companies, Government institutions, churches, businesses and schools. According to the chairman of the committee, Mark Jacobs, meetings will be held today at 18h30 at the Tamariskia Town Hall, and tomorrow at the same time at the Westside School hall in Vineta to discuss crime and issues affecting the youth in Swakopmund.

These issues would include alcohol and drug abuse, as well as places of amusement, he said. Another meeting will be held on May 21 in Mondesa's Meduletu Hall, where the establishment of a neighbourhood watch will top the agenda. "It is a fact that, without the support of the communities, the Police on their own will not be in a position to combat the increasing crime rate in Swakopmund effectively.

Therefore the public is being called upon to attend these public meetings to give their input on issues that affect their day-to-day living," Jacobs said.