ThoseInsecurity in Geneva –
In Thônex, the “vigilant neighbors” are criticized
Residents point to a lack of efficiency of this surveillance program, launched by the municipality during the summer of 2024.
The place of Graveson, where a drama had marked the Thônesiens in the spring of 2023.
Laurent Guiraud/Tamedia
- Thônex municipal police would struggle to respond to the reports of “vigilant neighbors”.
- The inhabitants note an increase in incivility despite the surveillance systems.
- The mayor highlights the limits imposed by the canton on intervention powers.
- The municipality plans to call on private safety providers.
In the canton of Geneva, insecurity has experienced upward statistics in 2024according to figures from the burglary and flight repression brigade (BRCV). To cope with this phenomenon, the residents of a Thônesian district combined with the municipal police following an initiative of the town, called “vigilant neighbors”.
The decision is then welcomed, but as soon as the program is launched, the local police do not always meet the expectations of Thônesians: lack of involvement or means, the measure is not unanimous.
Measures against insecurity
Back: May 28, 2023, an 18 -year -old dies under the stabbing of a minor on the Place de Graveson, in the heart of the town. There are many offenses to this tragedy, mainly brawls. In order to remedy the problems of insecurity, the authorities take action.
Among them, a strengthening of the police and rounds in place of Graveson, a recurring place of various incivility. An initiative is then imported from a French model, the “vigilant neighbors”. The principle is simple: voluntary inhabitants unite with the municipal police to monitor their neighborhood, and in the event of suspicious behavior, the latter can be asked to go quickly to the scene.
One of the “vigilant neighbors” throws in the towel
Seduced by the idea of this program, Pablo* recently decides to lend a hand to the police. Before quickly throwing in the towel. But why then?
The “Tribune de Genève” met him. During our interview, this resident of the Fossard hamlet, located on the outskirts of Thônex, said that he has long observed incivility in his neighborhood. However, since his arrival at the “vigilant neighbors” and after having reported several offenses on their discussion group, he entrusts us, with disappointment, “never saw the police arriving” …
An example, last month: “I heard noise in the park next to my home and, when I got closer, I saw a man holding a rifle and pulled in the air. I then filmed it and immediately transmitted the video to our discussion group. I received a message telling me that we were taking good note from my testimony, and that’s it, ”deplores Pablo.
Our interlocutor also says he saw the panels of the placard program in front of the houses in his neighborhood: “I have the impression that it is wind, to give an impression of security while unfortunately, on the ground, nothing has changed. So I decided to leave this group, considering it useless. ”
Thônex satisfied with the program
For its part, the municipality recalls that this initiative is intended to take the temperature of the land and to establish a direct link between residents and security agents. “We believe that the primary goal of this program, namely to put the Thônesiens and the municipal police in direct contact, has been reached,” reacts Bruno Da Silva, mayor of Thônex.
As for the intervention of the municipal police, the town visibly feeds the same frustration as its inhabitants, because its powers are limited. “The canton of Geneva decides the distribution of powers between the different police forces, and we suffer the consequences,” notes the mayor. For example, local agents would be in danger if they were led to intervene in front of an armed person. In addition, the municipal police do not work at night, which reduces their field of action. ”
Bruno Da Silva also specifies that, in this case, it is better to call 117 directly.
In Thônex, several security projects have been implemented.
Laurent Guiraud/Tamedia
Other complementary security programs to “vigilant neighbors”
The elected Thônesien nevertheless recalls the existence of other security programs, complementary to “vigilant neighbors”. Among them, “secure alleys” is devoted to the densest districts, while “Villas-Villas-Vacances” is structured for the problems between owners of villas.
“Nor do we dismiss the possibility of using other security providers, in order to make rounds and strengthen deterrence in our commune,” concludes the mayor. This is part of an action plan intended to strengthen security in Thônex; He is currently being prepared. “
*Known name of the editorial staff
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