KIGALI - The Acting Commissioner General of Police, Mary Gahonzire, yesterday said that the national police force was intensifying its strategies to combat crime during upcoming festive season.

According to police statistics, traffic offenses are the most reported crimes during this time of the year, mostly brought about by drunken driving.

"We have put in place big measures for people who want to drive while drunk mainly during this season, we are sensitising them that cars and alcohol don’t mix,” Gahonzire said Thursday during a press conference.

"The police will have zero tolerance to crime and criminals targeting Christmas and New Year festivals,” Gahonzire emphasised.

According to the director of operations in the police force, highway security will be beefed up during the run up to Christmas and New Year period.

"From December 15 the National Police will beef up security along highways, streets and different areas in the country to curb criminals who may want to take advantage of the season,” said Supt. Celestin Twahirwa.

Meanwhile, Gahonzire revealed that police officers operating at the country borders are undergoing training in customer care and communication skills to enhance collaboration and partnership at the borders.

"We have launched our strategic plan of 2009-2013, we designed the plan after evaluating our performance of the last two years,” pointed out Marcel Higiro, the police spokesperson of the force. 

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