Between fear and indifference: crime keeps Lucerne residents on edge

“One cannot be at peace nor working”, were the words of a man who works as a motorcycle taxi driver when approached. Santo Domingo.– The worry, fear, and helplessness have become everyday feelings for the residents of the Lucerna sector, in Santo Domingo Este, in the face of the increase in criminal acts that, according to reports, keep the community in a constant state of anxiety. The alarm went off again yesterday, when a resident of the sector was the victim of an armed robbery while at the 5 and 10 grocery store, an establishment frequented by neighborhood residents. According to witnesses, the assailant arrived armed, robbed the victim of their belongings, and fled the scene without being apprehended.

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Neighbors claim that, although police patrols are observed in Lucerne, criminals continue to operate with apparent freedom, which has generated distrust and fear among the community members.

"Patrols pass here, yes, but that doesn't stop the robberies," said Maria Adames.

Community members claim that robberies have become increasingly frequent, especially at night, when many people return from work or shop at grocery stores and nearby businesses. This situation has caused some neighbors to limit their outings and modify their daily routine to avoid becoming new victims.

“I am a motorcyclist and by 9pm I have to go home and you have to think twice before going out, even to buy something basic,” commented Rafael Almonte.

Lack of effective security

Although they recognize the effort of the National Police, the neighbors consider that the current measures are not sufficient to stop crime in the sector. A more effective security strategy is needed, with greater preventive surveillance and concrete actions against the gangs, as they explained.

"The police pass by. There is surveillance but they can't cope. What is needed here is constant surveillance and for them to really confront the criminals, because in the meantime, we are the ones who continue to pay the consequences," Rafael Almonte pointed out.

Residents of Lucerne are calling on the relevant authorities to reinforce security, investigate recent criminal acts, and ensure the tranquility of a community that, they claim, is trapped in the face of a lack of concrete answers.