TA plans special patrol unit to fight growing crime

Mayor Huldai says unit will add to residents' sense of personal security; councilman says plan to fund initiative by increasing property tax 'scandalous'

Gilad Morag|Published: 05.14.12 , 22:23

The Tel Aviv Municipality plans to set up a special patrol unit to fight the rise in crime and violence in the city, Ynet reported Monday. The plan requires the approval of the Interior Ministry.

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The initiative is being led by Mayor Ron Huldai, but it will be funded by the residents, who will see a few shekels added to their monthly property tax bills.

Site of recent rape in Tel Aviv (Photo: Moti Kimchi)

The crime wave culminated with the brutal rape of a woman at a parking lot adjacent to the Tel Aviv municipality building overnight Saturday. Residents of the city's southern neighborhoods have also been complaining of an increase in local crime, but they oppose an increase in property tax rates. Members of the opposition at City Hall have also voiced their opposition to the tax increase.

According to the plan, some 150 people will patrol the city 24 hours a day in squad cars and on foot.

"Due to the drop in the sense of personal security in the city, we have no choice but to take responsibility and set up a special patrol unit," Mayor Huldai said.

Attorney Reuven Ladiansky, a councilman from the Let Live faction, said "the mayor and the municipality are responsible for the residents' personal security and maintaining public order.

"This is the richest municipality in Israel with an annual budget of five billion shekels ($1.3B). Imposing a new tax on Tel Aviv's residents is scandalous," he said.