Editor, RE: “Rwamagana local leaders urged to intensify fight against crime” (The New Times, October 25). Rwanda National Police in Rwamagana District and local authorities are doing a commendable job by advising residents to avoid wrangles that could escalate into violence and urging them to seek for mediation from concerned authorities and their local leaders in particular. Conflicts pertaining to property, especially land and other assets, have led to an increase in crime rate in some parts of the world yet they can be avoided. Let’s embrace sustainable peace and security. Intore ******************* Allow me to express gratitude to the Police in the Eastern Province and the Mayor of Rwamagana District, Abdul Karim Uwizeyimana, for such continuous awareness campaigns in crime prevention. It is indeed true that leaders have a duty to protect their communities from crime by involving residents in nation-building programmes and encouraging them to participate in anti-crime initiatives. Leaders should encourage community-based crime prevention programmes, such as Community Policing, as well as encourage residents to actively work with all organs to address issues that could contribute to crime. As crime preventers in Rwamagana, we promise to support the Police in combating crime by giving timely information on suspicious individuals and acts, and seeking advice in security related issues. Darlene
