Minister of Internal Security Henri Kox replied that this is not true and pointed out that 40% of the crime recorded in Luxembourg City (and not in the whole country) is traced back to Quartier de la Gare. These figures are from the statistics calculated by the police, which are presented each year in spring. Kox also pointed out that this figure has risen steadily in recent years to reach 40%. This upwards trend is due to the increased police presence in the area, which means that more crimes are recorded, the Minister explained.
Kox also added that since he became Minister of Internal Security, he has been trying to achieve a more comprehensive approach to combat drug trafficking around the central station. According to the Minister, this involves decentralising the social structures involved in drug use, and several measures will be analysed by the State Council in October before being presented to the public.
The Mayor of Luxembourg City also called on the Minister to visit the Gare neighbourhood on Tuesday morning in order to discuss the situation with locals. The Minister replied that it was not up to the Mayor to define his agenda.
Kox said that he is ready to discuss with the people concerned once the package of measures has been passed by the State Council.
A timing which could come down to the wire, seeing as Mayor Lydie Polfer has announced that she intends to ask local residents for their opinion before 1 November, i.e. the date when the municipality's contract with the security firm ends.
