Ntchisi Police Station Officer In-charge Deputy Commissioner Edward Chingaipe has said a good relationship between members of the community and the police has assisted in reducing crime in the district by 4% from January to June this year.

He disclosed this on Saturday during a Station Executive Committee (SEC) meeting aimed at strengthening partnership and crime prevention.

Chingaipe, however, expressed dissatisfaction on the increase of defilement cases, saying many victims are fearful to report to police after being threatened by suspects.

He urged communities to work hand in hand with the police so that the district can be crime free and a conducive business environment.

Chingaipe further advised the community members to avoid taking law into their own hands by killing suspects who are believed to have committed crime.

He said mobbing suspects because someone is angry will not solve any problem but the best way is to report the suspected criminals to their nearest Police station.

In his remarks, SEC chairperson Greshan Stambuli asked the police to tighten security in crime prone areas to achieve a crime free district.

Stambuli also thanked the police for organizing the meeting saying this will help the business community, community policing members and police to adhesive their relationship and work together in combating crime in the district.

Participants at the training include traditional leaders, community policing members, crime prevention committees, faithful leaders, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), business community and Ntchisi District Council officials.

Among others the participants were reminded on how to share crime information, court procedures, road safety tips, violence against children, sanity in the district and resource mobilization.