Police in Athlone have clamped down on criminal activity in the area, leading to the arrest of 29 suspects in one week with 23 of these arrests for drug-related crimes.
A raid on one shebeen resulted in 1500 litres of alcohol being confiscated and the arrest of one person on liquor-related charges.
According to a statement by the Athlone police, “intensive patrols, stop-and-searches of suspicious persons and regular raids on houses identified as targets for illegal guns, drugs and stolen goods, wanted suspects and shebeens are the order of the day”.
Three people were arrested during a roadblock held in the area and the 431 stop-and-search patrols carried out resulted in the arrest of two people for the possession of stolen goods.
Thirteen cases of crimes against women and children Z a top priority in the Athlone area Z were reported.
Acting station commander Lieutenant-colonel Clive Nicholas commends the members of his team for their dedication in the fight against crime.
He says the members under his command will continue to build trust in the communities and work with them towards a safer environment.
He added that the members and residents have his full support in structural measures to reduce crime.
He urges “all members of the community” to get involved with the structures in their respective areas.
Anyone with information can also call the police at Crime Stop at 0860010111 or their local police stations. All information will be treated as highly confidential
