Somaliland Annual Crime Statistics Released

Hargeisa, 20 March 2009 (Somalilandpress) — Somaliland police chief, Gen. Mohamed Saqadi Dubad released the annual crime statistics of Somaliland during 2008 to the public on Thursday afternoon.

Along with the list of occurrences, the report explains each crime, the police budget and the number of police stations around the country.

Gen. Dubad said the police faced many challenges but were able to increase their number of stations around the country, send trainees to neighbouring countries such as Ethiopia and Djibouti to meet modern requirements and work with the public - have their assurance and support.

Furthermore the Chief said, Somaliland police plans to introduce a mounted unit after they were convinced that mounted police are effective in crowd control.

According to the commissioned report, there were 73 deaths, 126 rape cases, 2467 cases of theft and robbery offences, 60 cases of trafficking illegal materials and drugs, and 2750 cases of injuries inflicted upon individuals.

Gen. Dubad said the police enjoys good relationship with the public and that they are vital in combating crimes in Somaliland.

The Chief also cited a concern on the number of road deaths and injuries and promised to tackle it but they need the help of the Road authority, City Councils, public and the government.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase on the number of cars on Somaliland roads due to people returning back to Somaliland from overseas and the increase of urbanisation in major towns. However Somaliland roads have not undergone the necessary maintenance to meet these demands, as well there is no adequant training  for some of the drivers.

Gen. Dubad added that there has been more cooperation between the public and the police since the October 2008 suicide bombings in Hargeisa.

With a population of 3.5 million, 73 deaths is still too high and needs to be brought down however, it proves that Somaliland is an oasis in a sea of chaos in contrast to over 7, 574 deaths in Somalia.

Source: Somalilandpress