I REFER to the report “Zahid: Crime index down by up to 12% “(The Star, Dec 21), where the Deputy Prime Minister attributes the positive figures to good police work.

He went on to say that “some of us do not want to acknowledge the fact that the police have performed their duties admirably. Credit must be given when it is due”.

I live in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. Monthly statistics released by the police to the Residents’ Association indicate that indeed the crime rate has been falling in the area. So it appears that the police and Pemandu are winning the war against crime. But can these authorities take full credit for the improvement?

I would have hoped for some recognition and even praise for the good work of residents’ associations and people in the neighbourhood in contributing to keeping the crime rate down.

The residents feel that the physical presence of the 24-hour guards can help deter crime, maintain security as well as protect life and property. Indeed, residents are willing to fork out extra ringgit monthly to have peace of mind for their family.

Undoubtedly, the presence of private security guards has lightened the burden of the police force by complementing its services in crime prevention in residential areas.

The residents of neighbourhoods as well as the rakyat deserve some credit for organising themselves to protect themselves and in the process free the police to fight crime in other areas.

In fact, the police should also engage the residents in a meaningful way and on a regular basis, so that the end goal of keeping crime rates low will be achieved on a sustainable basis.

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