Fear, reduced traffic in trade, falling tourism, suspension of activities, garbage collection with police escort and burning of buses. Attacks on at least 20 cities in Rio Grande do Norte will end on Tuesday (21).

The State Department is investigating whether these actions were formulated by leaders of the Crime Syndicate faction that operates in the state. Information taken from R7.

The truck was set on fire in Rio Grande do Norte – Photo: reproduction / Youtube

Despite a significant reduction in the number of attacks with the arrival of the National Forces and the police from Ceara and Paraiba, the population suffers from the complete or partial shutdown of public services, and also lives in fear and does not leave their homes. The Minister of Education of Natal, for example, has suspended classes for 57,000 students in 146 schools in the municipal educational network.

R7, some residents and merchants have described how their routine has changed since the wave of attacks. A photojournalist who wished to remain anonymous said that, in addition to the attacks coordinated by the faction, some people took advantage of the chaos to commit crimes. Since last Tuesday (14) he has been on the street after arson and the work of security forces in Parnamirim, in the Natal metropolitan region.

According to the journalist, in recent days there has been a decrease in the wave of crimes, but many residents still do not leave their homes due to fear and the lack of some vital services. Classes at public schools and services at the UBS (primary medical centers) were suspended by the mayor’s office, and the bus fleet was halved.

In Parnamirim, household waste collection is also carried out on a reduced basis, only on the main avenues of the city and accompanied by employees of the Municipal Civil Guard to ensure the safety of employees. So far, there are no forecasts of normalization.

mossoro

The municipality of Mossoro in the interior of the state also suffered the consequences of the attacks. Restaurant owner Diego Araujo said sales have dropped 40% in the past seven days. For eight years now, he has run a venue that plays live music from Monday to Sunday in Nova Betania, an upscale neighborhood in the city.

“We did not close it, because we always work with non-departmental security and plainclothes police. However, most of the clients are elderly and afraid to leave the house,” explains the businessman.

According to the director of the Chamber of Shopkeepers, Mossoro Stenio Max, tourism has been hit hard by the unstable situation in the state. There are records of more than a hundred flight cancellations at hotels and travel agencies, as many buses refuse to run on roads and paths.

Max also reminds that the sector is recovering from the damage caused by the pandemic and sanitary restrictions, and now it will have to face a new internal crisis. “The climate is disturbing [entre os comerciantes e hoteleiros]. Many events, including corporate ones, have been cancelled. We hope to return to normal as soon as possible.”

A hotel manager in Mossoro, who also prefers not to be named, says tourists are afraid to visit the city because of news of a spate of crimes. “Last week, two groups who booked 40 apartments canceled their stay,” he gives an example.

Investments

This Monday (20) Minister of Justice Flavio Dino announced an investment of 100 million reais in the security system of Rio Grande do Norte. According to the Potiguar government, 20 million reais will be allocated for the rental and purchase of vehicles, weapons and equipment for the military police, civilian police, ITEP (Scientific and Technical Institute of Expertise) and the Military Fire Department.

Another confirmed measure was the replacement of school vehicles damaged by criminal acts. “I spoke to the Minister of Education, Camilo Santana, and he assured me that all cars would be replaced. This ensures continuity of service to the population,” Governor Fatima Bezerra (PT) said at a press conference.

prisoners

According to the latest update from the Secretariat of Public Security and Social Protection, this Monday (20) 133 suspects were arrested and 6 teenagers were detained. Of the total, 14 are wanted by the court.

Also seized were 41 firearms, 139 explosive devices, 29 gallons of fuel, 14 motorcycles and 2 cars, as well as money, drugs and ammunition.