The Taipei County Police Bureau has launched a five-month campaign to wipe out rampant car theft and home burglary as part of an effort to improve social order, a spokesman said yesterday.
According to the spokesman, the campaign, which kicked off on Aug. 12 and is slated to run through Jan. 11 is aimed at cracking down on theft rings that steal cars and motorcycles, and those that break into homes.
Vehicle theft and home burglary are the most commonly reported crimes, he said.
To encourage local police authorities to increase efforts to solve such cases reported by the public, the bureau will each month award a small colored flag to the best and the worst police precincts in the county, which will be divided into two groups, depending on their workload, he said.
The best-performing police precinct from each group will be awarded a red flag, while the worst-performing precinct will be given a purple one, he said.
Inspection unit chiefs at all of the county’s police stations are required to place the flag they are given by the bureau on their desks to let the public know about their performance, he added.
He denied allegations that the flags would increase pressure on police officers.
The measure, he said, is designed to boost their sense of honor and responsibility and to help build a safe and sound living environment for local citizens.
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