INTRODUCTION
The prevention of crime in the Maldives is an issue to which a lot of time and attention is devoted. A number of different programmes have been introduced, both to the public and to police officers, in an attempt to educate all people and to reduce and prevent criminal activity in the Maldives.
Crime prevention and awareness programmes are carried out throughout all of the different atolls of the Maldives, ensuring that the same message is distributed to all Maldivian citizens.
The geographical nature of the Maldives means that each of the separate atolls, and to some extent islands, has their own specific and unique set of criminal issues to address. For example, on the capital island of Male', overcrowding is a factor which influences the nature of the crimes faced there. There are a high number of vehicles, and so accordingly there are many traffic crime cases. On a smaller, less inhabited island however, there are unlikely to be as many vehicles and hence less traffic cases. Similarly, it is likely that a busier island such as Male' would have a higher incidence of drug and theft cases than would be the case on the smaller islands. Even though this means that issues affect the different islands and communities in different ways, the Maldives Police Service is structured appropriately.
PROGRAMMES AND OTHER PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
On the 7th February, 2006, the Police programme known as ‘Together We Can Fight Crime' was introduced for the first time. This programme consists of discussion sessions with the intention of finding solutions for crime prevention which would involve cooperation between members of the public and the Police. There are also sessions to attempt to increase public awareness on dealing with criminal offences commonly committed in society. These include such crimes as traffic violations, illicit drugs offences, juvenile offences as well as difficult issues such as child molestation and sexual abuse.
The ‘Together We Can Fight Crime' programme was carried out in a number of different atolls, as listed below:
07th - 12th February 2006; H. Dh atoll
25th - 29th April 2006; Laam Atoll
06th - 12th June 2006; Addu Atoll
07th - 10th March 2007; Lhaviyani Atoll
04th - 09th September 2007; Thaa Atoll
28th November - 1st December 2007; G. Alif Atoll
22nd - 28th June 2008; G. Dhaal Atoll
08th - 16th August 2008; Gn. Atoll
25th January - 01st February 2009; Raa Atoll
Other programmes and workshops have also been utilized by the Maldives Police Service in an effort to increase public awareness surrounding some issues.
What is the emergency number?
The emergency number to call whilst you are in the Maldives is 119. If you need to contact the police whilst you are at the airport then you should dial 3329354. Alternatively, you can contact the police command centre directly by dialing 3322111.
What steps can be taken to avoid becoming a victim of crime?
• At night, stay within well lit areas with lots of people around.
• Keep valuables and money out of sight wherever possible.
• If staying in a guest house or apartment, then ensure that all windows and doors are securely fastened before leaving.
• If someone attempts to grab your possessions or in any way attack you, shout for help and draw the attention of passers-by.
• Be friendly, but do not trust anyone that is not known to you.
Officers on patrol at all times
Officers are on patrol at all times and will be on hand to assist with any situation. Once the report has been made they will strive to attend the scene as quickly as possible.
Police present in every atoll
There is a Police Station in every atoll, and each island with a population of more than 2,000 people also has a Police Station. In total, there are more than 43 separate Police Stations throughout the atolls.
REMEMBER:
Always be on your guard and be aware of what is occurring around you. Following these simple steps will improve safety and security, and help to make the Maldives a safer place for all.
