Government plans increased security in areas frequented by tourists

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CCTV systems are to be installed in three of Swieqi's streets - Triq Swieqi, Triq is-Sidra and Triq il-Qasab - in what will be the first project of its kind, said Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis. A total of 22 cameras are to be installed in the three streets.

Speaking at the signing of an agreement for the installation of the system between the ministry and the local council, Zammit Lewis said that the initiative is intended to give back to the community "a part of the burden from tourism that they carry."

The minister said he hopes that the project can be broadened to other parts of the island facing similar problems, such as St Paul's Bay.

Swieqi mayor Noel Muscat said that what started out as a problem of vandalism and noise by young people has escalated into more serious criminality with frequent robberies and even murder having taken place recently.

He said that the population of the town can only be expected to increase further, with many tourists and foreign workers taking up residence in Swieqi.

"We are in constant contact with the police and we have asked for more patrols," Muscat said, explaining that while patrols have increased, it was still very difficult to monitor the area at all hours.

"We used to hear stories from residents and think they were exaggerating. But when you keep hearing the same sort of thing then you must accept that it's true.”

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis presides over the signing of the agreement with the Swieqi local council (James Bianchi/MediaToday)

Zammit Lewis explained that, broadly speaking, four types of residents live in Swieqi: people who have lived there for a considerable period of time, tourists, EU nationals living in Malta – many of whom work in the gaming industry – and a number of non-EU nationals who are also working in the country.

"The situation for residents in some of the streets has become immensely difficult," said Zammit Lewis, adding that it was also important to ensure the safety and comfort of tourists and foreign workers.

"We must achieve a healthy co-existence between Malta's biggest industry and people's right to live in a peaceful and safe environment."