Riot police to stay in North Bohemian Šluknov district for another six to twelve months

Police say they have recruited 50 new police officers to be deployed in the Šluknov district in North Bohemia troubled by racial tensions between Romanies and the majority population. Before the new officers complete their training, riot police from other regions are to take turns in the area for another six to twelve months. The riot police presence in the district has cost 40 million crowns since the end of August but according to Police President Petr Lessy has not managed to reduce petty crime. Unrest in North Bohemia began in August following a number of violent attacks blamed by the locals on members of the Roma minority.