Security of the immediate surroundings in Valga Siim Kornel Valga Gymnasium 2005

Everyday security During the last years Valga has turned more safety. We can say that danger of violence aren’t that serious as it was before. Reasons – More active policeofficers – Security company Falck is more active – Part-time police-officers – New precinct Statistics 2004 → 669 crimes 2001 → 883 crimes

Everyday security But there are some violence accidents that takes place in Valga. So the violence is still a problem in Valga. In our town we still have: – Breakings and enterings – Burglary – Grand larceny – Heist – Pocket pickings – Rip-off – Smash-and-grab Neighbourhood watch Neighbourhood watch is a system of joint supervision and helping of neighbourhood households, which helps neighbourhood people jointly protect themselves and their property and reduce fear of crime. Basis of neighbor watch is close ties and exchange of information between neighbourhood dwellers, local police and representatives of local municipality. Neighbourhood watch output is: - increased sense of security of dwellers at homes and close vicinity to homes; - attentive attitude towards surrounding; - strong sense of unity and ownership in neighbourhood; - cleaner and more pleasant environment.

Estonian police Estonian police is an organization witch belongs to Estonian Ministry of the Interior’s affairs. It was founded in 1918 and refounded in Estonian police consists of 4 territorial police prefectures and 4 national establishments. Police’s work is coordinate by Police Administrative. Our police’s general director is Robert Antropov. In the beginning of this year there were about 3600 police officers and 1200 employees in Estonian police. Lion Leo... … is children friend … is always benevolent and helpful policeman … is good adviser … helps to defeat criminals 110 is Estonian police phone number

Physical integrity, danger of violence When you are in some club, pub or just walking on streets you never can’t be sure that you are protected and you won’t fall a victim to depredation. You never can’t be sure in physical integrity, and we think it’s everywhere like that. Dangers in Valga – Assault and battery – Calumny – Depredation – Descent on – Mugging – Violent crime Statistics Comparing Valga with other Estonian cities we can say that raping and other sexual harassing is smaller in numbers.

Alcohol Alcohol is very serious problem in our town. Many young people (from age 13) are drinking alcohol. They often drink alcohol in public places. We have had many detentions because drunken people are disturbing other’s peace. Reasons, why young people can drink alcohol: – Many adults are buying alcohol for young people (close acquaintances and strange or drunken people also) – Many adults are selling alcohol to young people without asking ID (they usually need bigger profit) – Young people are using fake ID’s. Limits Age limits: people in age can buy weak alcohol (beer, cider, wine); over 21 years old persons can buy stronger alcohol (vodka, whiskey) Alcohol selling ban: from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Checkings: in shops, clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants

Drugs Drugs are serious problem in Valga. Usually people who had drunk alcohol are using drugs. They usually smoke cannabis. Drugs are serious problem in people starting from age 18. People who had use drugs are going to steal and they are also beating others. A lot of venereal diseases are distributed by drug addicts. Drugs aren’t so popular in Southern Estonia as they are in Northern Estonia.

Road safety Our town is small and traffic is quite easy. We don’t have many car faxes and we have only one traffic light in our town. We have many drink-drivers and it’s quite big problem for us because every year they cause over 300 accidents in Estonia. There are a lot of accidents in Valga because we have many young drivers. Older people are driving more carefully and they are friendlier and more indulgent.

Harassment and teasing Sometimes teachers are teasing children. 60% of annoyers get their judicial punishment before they are getting 25 years old. In Estonian schools nobody doesn’t countenance harassment. We can experience harassment and teasing mostly in schools. Physical – Beating – Blackmail – Closing into a room – Taking things off Mental – Harassment – Hoax – Name-calling – Vituperation – Backbiting

Used materials Estonian Union for Children Welfare booklet about violence in school