I sympathise with those who suffer from sporadic thuggery in our streets and public places. I still remember vividly when still a child being pelted with stones while on a swing at the Sliema Tower Road playing field and another time, years later, being robbed while swimming at Fond Għadir.

It is perhaps impossible for the forces of law and order to be present everywhere but a regular surveillance walk along popular and less frequented public areas might discourage law-breaking behaviour.

Anti-social behaviour such as revving cars below neighbours balconies and windows and loud music at all hours of the day and night in an otherwise respectable and quiet street and neighbourhood are only halted when residents phone the Police Station and complain.

In other instances, the loud music goes on unabated even when residents file a police report and appear a number of times at the Law Courts, unassisted by a lawyer, to no avail.

I am sure citizens do not begrudge overtime paid to police officers or extra money spent which would lead to the re-introduction of a regular police patrol on foot in the Sliema/St. Julian’s area and proper law enforcement decrees.

Joseph G. Bonett

Independent Candidate for the Local

Council Elections

Balluta