195 arrested and vehicle thefts halved in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas under curfew
Police arrested 195 people during two weeks of curfew and managed to reduce vehicle theft by 50 per cent in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.
Curfew in Santo Domingo: 195 arrested and significant decline in thefts
According to eluniverso.com, two weeks of curfew in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas resulted in 195 arrests: 45 for violating the restriction and around 150 for various offences and contraventions.
Fabricio Silva, commander of the Santo Domingo Police Subzone, reported that during operations 15 firearms were seized, including large-calibre weapons. "This shows us that crime is organised and armed, which is why we are redoubling our efforts to guarantee security," Silva stated.
The police chief warned that provincial figures could increase when incorporating the results of military interventions, which also registered significant advances during the period.
Vehicle and motorcycle thefts in decline
Vehicle theft fell by 50 per cent and motorcycle theft declined by around 40 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to Silva. However, the commander noted that criminal organisations have shifted part of their activities towards extortion.
Since January, police have reported around 65 arrests for that offence in various operations. "This demonstrates that our Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion Unit is producing results," the police chief said. Some of those prosecuted remain in detention, whilst others face precautionary measures.
Extortion and the dark figure
Silva acknowledged that many extortion victims have yet to file formal complaints, which he described as a "dark figure" that makes it difficult to gauge the real extent of the problem in the province. Additionally, he confirmed that recent cases involving explosives would be linked to extortion networks active in the area.
Regarding the most recent arrest, two citizens were detained for allegedly extorting a merchant from Santo Domingo. The case was investigated by specialised units of the National Police, which placed the suspects at the disposal of judicial authorities.
Forged documents
Two people were also apprehended for the alleged production of forged public documents. During the raids, identity documents, driving licences, vehicle registrations and equipment allegedly used for that illegal activity were found.
Source: Google News DO — Santo Domingo