The 2023 Annual Report of the Local Police of El Rosario highlights the increase in the presence of the Ecological section of the police force, which has led to a progressive rise in reports of violations concerning environmental pollution, natural environment protection, and animal welfare.
In this way, the so-called ecological crimes resulted in the opening of 307 cases. 63.5% of them (195) were related to uncontrolled dumping of waste, debris, or items. These, among other data, were recently disclosed to the Mayor of El Rosario and the head of Citizen Security, Escolástico Gil, in a meeting with police leaders held at the Local Police Operational Coordination Centre (Cecopal).
Following these infractions, the next highest in number (57; 18.6%) are those related to animal welfare and protection of pets, as well as monitoring the ownership of potentially dangerous dogs, reporting violations of pet abuse and abandonment, and the recovery of lost or abandoned pets.
Among the statistical data, low accident rates stand out, with 21 traffic accidents in 2023 and a monthly average in the municipality of 1.75, decreasing by 12.5% compared to 2022, and a low crime rate. Offenses with potential social impact, such as home burglaries, have decreased by 16% compared to 2022. Six thefts and the illegal occupation of three properties were also reported, as well as three vehicle thefts and one case of drug possession and consumption during the entire year 2023. There is no record of any robberies involving violence and intimidation.
“The Local Police of El Rosario continues to be a community-based police force where preventive surveillance remains the cornerstone of its services, and where detailed knowledge of the municipality and its different social realities allows its work to contribute to the deterrence of criminal activities, providing an immediate response in emergency situations,” stated Escolástico Gil.
No cases of robbery with violence and intimidation were reported in 2023
Gil also highlights the recent expansion of the Local Police force with the swearing-in of four new officers and the transfer of a fifth officer, which “substantially improves the human resources of our police force, benefiting the attention given to citizens through proximity, professionalism, and proper collaboration and coordination with other law enforcement agencies,” he added.
Forest Fire
Police work in 2023 was also marked by the major forest fire in August, during which 1,200 people and animals were evacuated, and surveillance services in evacuated areas “were essential to prevent intrusions” and control access to homes for feeding animals or collecting medicines, as highlighted by the Rosario City Council.
During 2023, the Local Police were called upon to respond to a total of 73 incidents due to noise disturbances, with most calls related to issues within residential communities concerning loud music or animal noises on rooftops, balconies, terraces, or in some cases, pets inside homes making barking noises, especially during nighttime.
47 abandoned vehicles were also removed from public roads, and seven reports were filed for damages against public property, cleaning of public spaces, facades, and walls (graffiti).
Additionally, there was a road safety education campaign implemented in local schools to educate minors on road behavior for their safety on public roads. The El Rosario Local Police also carried out “significant work” in prevention at schools, as well as traffic control at public events and festivals.