SECURITY / Anti-delinquency plan: zero tolerance on the roads of Saint-Martin

As part of the fight against delinquency and dangerous road behaviour, a road check called “operation flow control” was organised on Wednesday evening in Baie Nettle.

The operation, carried out by around fifteen gendarmerie personnel in the presence of the Prefect Vincent Berton, Sub-prefect Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau and Commander Hugues Loyez, is part of a global plan of securing the territory.

Short and long term measures

Prefect Berton recalled the importance of a immediate and lasting response in the face of recent violence. Several arrests have already been carried out, notably in the case of American tourist attacked, where two authors were imprisoned.

In the longer term, actions such as the installation of the CCTV and the improvement of thepublic lighting will complement these efforts.

A temporary pound to respond to serious offences

Un prefectural decree formalized the creation of a temporary pound at the La Savane gendarmerie.

This device will allow the rapid destruction of two-wheelers involved in crimes, often used in robberies, homicides and other serious crimes.

Vehicles may be destroyed immediately in the event of dangerous maneuvers, or within 15 days, thus reinforcing the message of zero tolerance.

Three flagship operations

The action plan is based on three major operations, on requisition from the public prosecutor:

Tiger : filter barriers to control vehicles and occupants.
F : secure interception of fleeing two-wheelers on a small section of road.
No Helmet, No Ride : systematic seizure of non-compliant two-wheelers, particularly in the absence of a helmet, insurance or license.

Strengthened cross-border cooperation

Security doesn't stop at borders. Joint actions with Sint Maarten, like the joint controls or devices to secure major events, notably Carnival, bear witness to this collaboration.

Awareness and increased presence

The authorities also undertake to strengthen prevention and contact with the population, thanks to foot patrols and a reorganization of staff.

These actions aim to reverse the current dynamic and to break with the feeling of impunity that reigns on the islande. _Vx