Moscow Chief Department of Internal Affairs: robbery rate to rise due to crisis

The series of large-scale robberies committed over the past several weeks in Moscow has forced the capital's Chief Department of Internal Affairs to issue an order “On additional robbery-prevention measures.” The city police departments have received telegrams containing clear instructions on how to counteract the climbing crime rate. “Taking into account … the unstable socio-economic situation caused by the global economic recession the Chief Department of Internal Affairs does not rule out continued aggravation of the situation”, — the document reads. The chief police officials demanded that their subordinates immediately check all gambling establishments, jewellery stores, and other places coveted by the criminals on account of their security status. Careless proprietors are to be held accountable for relevant violations. The police authorities decided not to limit themselves solely to penalties and to organize regular qualification improvement sessions for security officers. Furthermore, the current patrolling routes will be adjusted and brought closer to the gambling establishments. Taking into account the fact that robbers tend to attack them in early mornings when the nightly proceeds are accumulated, the police are going to execute targeted operative activities to prevent the criminals from believing in their own impunity.