CRIME RATES INCREASING THROUGHOUT COUNTRY

Angolan authorities reported on 15 July 2009 that police officers are struggling to combat growing rates of gang-related violence and rape across the country. Authorities state that the violent nature of recent crimes is especially worrying. Gangs -- which are usually comprised of males 14 to 30 years old -- are particularly active in shantytowns, such as those surrounding Luanda, where police presence is minimal. Authorities attribute the high crime rate to increasing poverty, which is present despite a surge in oil production that has helped spark economic growth and development.