Last update - 00:00 05/03/2008
Police say security fence has reduced crime in Jerusalem
By Jonathan Lis, Haaretz Correspondent
The security fence surrounding Jerusalem has completely eliminated terrorist attacks in the city, and has also decreased ordinary criminal activity, according to Major General Aharon Franko, commander of the Jerusalem District Police.
"All the terrorists' efforts to carry out attacks in Jerusalem were countered at the fence," Franko said Tuesday.
Six pipe bombs were placed near Rachel's Tomb, just outside the capital, in 2007, and there were four shooting incidents against guard posts along the city's outer perimeter.
Franko said the fence, which is still only half built, also resulted in a drop in criminal activity in the city, because fewer Palestinians from the territories can still enter Jerusalem. However, the city experienced a significant increase in the number of break-ins in 2007.
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