Officer In-Charge, Deputy Commissioner, Tiyese Chiumbudzo said for example from January to June this year, the police station registered 270 crimes compared to 199 captured during the same period last year, representing a 36 percent increase.

"It true this year we have recorded a high crime rate compared to last year and this is because of a lack of extensive patrols due to financial constraints as we have not received any funding from government since April to date," he said.

Chiumbudzo, who said this during a Station Executive Committee Meeting (SEC) held in the district added that poverty could also be one of the factors forcing people to commit crimes, which include murder, theft, defilement and mob justice.

"Poverty or low income levels among residents of this district could also be one of the factors which are forcing people to commit these crimes," he added.

Human Resource and Development Officer at Ntchisi District Council Thokozani Dzekedzeke said they will report to the Central Government to see how best they can help on the funding issue.

"Funding is a national issue but we will convey the message to the top government officials to see if they can help the station," she said.

During the meeting, business Innocent Chazama was also elected as the SEC chairperson and he vowed to work together with the police in tightening security.

By Henderson Charles Msusa-Ntchisi