Bus robberies drop by 70% in Maceió.

By Raíssa França/cadaminuto.com.br - Data released by the Public Security Secretariat of Alagoas (SSP/AL) indicates that there was a 70% reduction in the number of robberies on buses in the capital in the month of August. In the first days of September, bus drivers counted 20 cases, but the SSP registered 17 robberies. The data was presented during a press conference held on Wednesday morning (06).

According to the Secretary of Public Security, Colonel Lima Júnior, 34 robberies were recorded in August. "This reduction is the result of combined efforts from all parties, including the monthly meetings to discuss measures that can be taken," he said.

According to the secretary, the neighborhoods with the highest rates of robberies were those in the lower part of Maceió, namely: Trapiche, Vergel, and Ponta Grossa.

In January, 68 buses were robbed; in February, the number rose to 69. In March, there was a decrease with 46 bus robberies recorded; in April, 40; in May, 39; in June, 24; in July, 23; and in August, 34.

According to the secretary, this type of crime needs to be combated because it causes losses to companies and employees and trauma to the population victimized by these actions. He emphasized that information passed on through the 181 hotline (anonymous tip line) is very important for the police to investigate and arrest robbers.

The president of the Road Transport Workers Union (Sinttro/AL), Écio Ângelo, said that it is important to continue with the strategy of combating crime together with the SSP (State Secretariat of Public Security).

"Knowing where the crimes are occurring, as is the case here since it's concentrated in the lower part of town, it's easier for the police to intensify their efforts and approach them. Continuing with the strategy that was already in place and continuing to combat crime in conjunction with Public Security," commented the president.