National Police chief Neth Savoeun has urged the officers of Takeo province to take advantage of new resources and improve their efficiency, in order to solve problems more rapidly and serve the public better.

He made the comments as he attended the August 10 inauguration of a new administrative building of the Takeo provincial police, he said in a social media post.

Savoeun described the $800,000 building as a new achievement for the province.

“We have identified several challenges and concerns of the people of Takeo, and I expect the provincial police chief and command to address them and make efforts to combat those crimes,” he added.

He went on to say that these included criminal offences such as theft, robbery and drug trafficking – especially of the chemicals used in drug production – as well as traffic accidents. He hoped that the provincial police would strengthen their efforts to reduce these issues.

Takeo provincial police chief Chheang Phannara acknowledged that Takeo province had seen saw an increase in criminal offending in the first six months of the year. When compared with 2022, when 114 cases were recorded, crimes had jumped 68 per cent, to 177.

“However, we have made arrests in 97 per cent of the cases, and sent 226 suspects to court. In addition, we have successfully investigated 70 drug cases and dispatched 149 people to court,” he said.

As provincial chief, he vowed to strengthen the quality of his officer’s work, in order to safeguard public order.

Savoeun suggested that some officers soften their approach to dealing with the public, and embrace gentle manners.

“Not only should they be aware of the wellbeing of the public, they must cooperate closely with all relevant institutions, especially the traffic police,” he said.