Forty cameras will be installed by summer in Paceville for the locality to be monitores on a 24/7 basis, Home Minister Byron Camilleri said.
The aim is to serve as a deterrent against certain activities and criminal acts in this entertainment area, while the Police operate more intelligence-led policing with immediate action, ensuring that citizens feel safer, the minister said.
This project is part of a Budgetary measure with an investment of over €2 million, covering four localities: Paceville, St Paul's Bay, Marsa, and Paola, with a total of more than 160 CCTV cameras. These zones were selected following an analysis by a criminologist, who examined past crime cases. The purpose of these cameras-just like when police body cams were first introduced-is to act as a deterrent against crime, focusing on prevention rather than reaction.
Camilleri explained during a press conference that this project will complement the ongoing efforts of the police, which are already yielding positive results. In addition to continuous patrols and increased police presence, these cameras, will provide real-time information about any illegal activity. This will allow for immediate and well-informed action. The minister also emphasised that, aside from the collaboration between LESA and the police, this project will also foster greater cooperation with local councils, business communities, and residents.
"In our strategy to keep Malta safe, prevention is one of the most important tools. Prevention comes by adopting more intelligent systems, allocating resources wisely, and strengthening collaboration. This project embodies all of these elements. With it, we are covering Paceville, where our experience and consultations have shown that such a project is most needed. We are doing this for the benefit of society, for those who frequent the area, and for commercial entities. This is about prevention and deterrence. Surveillance is crucial when implementing intelligence-led policing, which is exactly what we are doing here."
Minister Camilleri further stated that this project will help authorities observe real-life situations and take action accordingly. This initiative aligns with other proactive security measures, rather than reactive ones. One of the most notable examples remains community policing, which focuses on preventive strategies rather than after-the-fact responses.
Another key point raised by Minister Camilleri is that this project will provide direct and immediate access to crucial information in case of incidents. This will be beneficial both for investigations and for ensuring that assistance arrives faster when needed.
In conclusion, Minister Camilleri highlighted that this project is further proof that the government does not settle for current achievements but continues to build on them for the benefit of the Maltese and Gozitan people. He pointed out that Malta is ranked among the top 10 safest countries in the world, which is no coincidence. Likewise, today's crime rate is significantly lower than 20 years ago, despite the country now having more economic activity and significantly more tourists. This success is the result of a well-trained, continuously improving police force that works closely with other entities and the community.
The press conference was attended by Deputy Police Commissioner Kenneth Haber, LESA CEO Svetlick Flores, Chairman of the Town Centre Management for Paceville Philip Fenech, Mayor of St. Julian's Guido Dalli, and representatives from the Local Council.