Betar Illit residents are complaining there has been a rash of break-ins in the city in recent days. One resident of Rav Shach Street is quoted telling Kikar Shabbos News their proximity to an Arab village and their geographical location, the end of the street, make them easy targets, adding there are no security cameras in the area.
Residents report local Arabs have stolen their share of vehicles in the past but now, there are break-ins and the city has to get tougher in dealing with this alarming reality. They explain to date they have not dared to break into homes but now it appears this has changed. Residents are calling on the city to install security cameras in their area and to have neighborhood patrols include the problematic streets.
City officials acknowledge the problem, insisting they are taking it most seriously. They add the mayor has already been in contract with the relevant police and IDF commanders. City officials are calling for the immediate closure of breaks in the security fence.
Mayor Meir Rubinstein is calling on the relevant agencies to repair the fence and take the necessary measures. Rubinstein is asking to probe the cost of an electronic detection fence but military officials indicate the government is not that philanthropic and it is most unlikely the state will pick up the tab for such a border fence.
City security officer Michael Levy feels all night patrols in the troublesome areas is a must, at least until a long-term solution can be reached. The city is also calling on the IDF and Israel Police to increase their presence in border areas of the city.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
For sure, the gate needs to be reinforced and cameras set into place.
ALSO is there a nightly ‘patrol’ of civilians as in other neighborhoods. Sort of a “shomrim squad” made up of residents that take turns driving through the neighborhood during the evening hours. That will solve the problem!!
Are they not concerned about terrorist attacks chalila????
This is an issue all over. Bet Shemesh has robbery issues as well. Neighborhood watches help, but it takes the neighborhood to do it. The police have a training course for those who want it.
The government provides a security stipend. This isn’t meant as the entire security budget. Most areas on the other side of the fence have residents doing shmira, and local taxes that support additional security measures. Unfortunately Beitar Illit is a poor city and from what I understand, the local population haven’t organized themselves yet.