“Security is my top priority, as I have always said. It is the foremost freedom I owe to the people of Nice.” The mayor affirmed on Wednesday that he will take all necessary measures to reduce the feeling of insecurity prevailing in the city. The statistics at the beginning of the year are encouraging. The first effects of the fight against crime are starting to be felt.
For the past two years, many actions have been initiated in this area as well as in road safety. The staff of the Municipal Police have been reinforced, and the equipment has been improved. More recently, hundreds of cameras have been installed to make Nice the most video-surveilled city in France. These efforts have started to pay off. In 2009, street crime had already decreased by 5%. For the first few months of 2010, the results remain excellent: approximately 7% less general crime.
However, Christian Estrosi will not stop his efforts. This is what he confirmed on Wednesday: “I know that the people of Nice expect even more from me in terms of security.” The persistent feeling of insecurity and the nuisances and incivilities that degrade the quality of life are unacceptable. Despite reassuring figures, the fight is far from won. The mayor of Nice also wants to clarify that his role is only to be a pivot in the preventive policy implemented by the State. It is primarily a State competence, and he seeks its support in all the measures put in place.
Three main measures were announced during the conference.
A municipal decree to close all night grocery stores and takeaway establishments was signed.
The consumption of alcohol in public spaces should be quickly regulated by another decree.
The curfew for minors under the age of 13, introduced last December, will be extended following the deadline of March 31.
According to the mayor of the city, solving these problems is simply a matter of will. With the support of the State, all breaches of public peace could be quickly repressed.
