Decree credited for reduction in crime

Decree credited for reduction in crime

The imposition of the emergency decree to combat the Covid-19 outbreak has lowered many types of crimes, says the Royal Thai Police.

But fraud involving online trade has surged as more people stay at home to avoid the risk of Covid-19, opting to buy or sell products via the internet instead, said Pol Lt Gen Piya Uthayo, assistant police chief and police spokesman.

The emergency decree went into effect on March 1, which has coincided with a year-on-year reduction in most crimes nationwide. Along with the decree, a night-time curfew has also been put in place from 11pm to 4pm.

Pol Lt Gen Piya said there has been a significant drop in various crimes including battery, sexual assault, theft, unruly behaviour caused by drinking, traffic violations, motorcycle racing on public roads and inter-school brawls. He did not give figures.

But the assistant national police chief said that 38% more people have been arrested for illegal firearm possession since March 1 than in the same period last year. Police also logged a 25% increase in arrests on gambling charges.

As for fraud related to online trade, Pol Lt Gen Piya said many people who work from home have filed complaints saying they had made online purchases but either never received their goods or were sent wrong or substandard items.

He added the majority of businesses which have reopened in the first and second phases of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions have instituted measures to maintain hygiene on their premises and practised them consistently.

Pol Lt Gen Piya said the restrictions must be relaxed with the utmost care to prevent a flare up in infections. He said the curfew has also paid off as it has helped bring down the infection rate in recent weeks by preventing nighttime gatherings.

Security patrols continue at night, with curfew violators facing up to two years in prison and/or a fine of no more than 40,000 baht.

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