Police work done in Paceville is ‘phenomenal’; crime rate down 10%

Crime dropped nearly 10 per cent in the St Julian’s district last year, the highest reduction on the island, the police said.

The district was yesterday commended for its efforts and presented with the Force Shield during the annual police awards.

Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar said that although the district, known as the island’s entertainment capital, was often in the limelight for its high crime rate, efforts were being made.

“The work being done here is phenomenal, and it is resulting in positive results,” he said.

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela, who presided over the ceremony, said the government was committed to curbing the level of criminality in areas such as Paceville amid growing concerns from residents.

Last summer, Times of Malta reported how police still faced an uphill battle to crack down on criminality in Paceville – especially drug trafficking.

“Another summer has gone by and very little has been done in spite of repeated pledges – like the opening of a mobile police station. Unfortunately, morale is at an all-time low and we have given up hope that someday the situation will improve,” police sources told had this newspaper on condition of...