The rate of vandalism reports in Swieqi over the summer period was much lower when compared to the same period of 2012 and 2013, according to Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia.

It turns out that a total 230 reports of all sorts were filed in 2013, 333 in 2013 and 187 in 2014. A total of 750 crimes took place between March 2012 and August 2014. 232 damage (most likely vandalism) reports were filed while 343 theft offences were registered in the area during the same above mentioned period. Theft offences turn out to be the highest of the lot.

The information came to light as Dr Mallia was replying to questions made by PN MP Marthese Portelli in parliament. She asked the minister if crime, particularly vandalism reports, declined ever since the police station had been opened in the locality when compared to the previous two years.

A police station had been inaugurated at Swieqi in April amid hopes by the residents of the locality that it could lead to a stronger police presence and a reduction in crime. Plans for Swieqi to have its police station had been in the offing for years.

Dr Mallia said that it is hard gauge, since the police station hadn't been operating for long enough, but he did point out that reports of crime had dropped. This, he said, did not mean that the government has found a solution to all the problems the locality faces as a result of the influx of people from Paceville.

Swieqi residents have for years been battling it out with the authorities, calling for more surveillance in the area. Many a time Swieqi residents have woken up to finding their cars vandalised, property vandalised and many more unmentionables. A number of people, mainly foreigners, had been charged over such acts. In fact, one individual was even caught on camera vandalising a parked vehicle.

Dr Mallia tabled a list of incidents reported to have taken place in the area. He said that the nature of the incidents is currently being reviewed. He said that the police station had been opened in April 2014, despite the fact that residents had been requesting so for many years, when the PN was in power.

Dr Mallia said that apart from the installation of a police station, the number of police personnel in Swieqi have been upped, and the station now has a total 24 policeman stationed in the locality.

He said the measures were implemented after his ministry met up with residents to listen to their concerns.

"It turned out that residents were mainly affected by the flows of tourists in the area and due to the number of foreign language students Swieqi hosts," Dr Mallia said.