The Nationalist Party today said that the way the government wants to combat crime is to tell residents to stay at home, not go abroad, not keep personal belongings and upgrade their security system – rather than tackle the problem.

In a statement issued by deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami, the PN said that as Sliema, Swieqi, St Julian’s, Gzira and San Gwann complain about an increase in burglaries, the government’s solution is for families to take drastic measures.

It is evident that although policemen do their best to solve crime, they are few in number and do not have the resources to carry out their work in these localities, the PN said.

The only solution provided by Minister Carmelo Abela is of putting the onus on the residents, rather than take drastic measures to increase security in these localities.

Instead of making corrupt deals with people close to it, the government should invest in the police force, the PN said.