In response to the initiative of the Origo shopping centre, a regular meeting was organised with representatives of Riga City Council management and departments, the State Police, Riga Municipal Police and social partners to discuss the development of the neighbourhood’s public open space infrastructure and maintenance of public order. The aim of the meeting was to assess the cooperation in maintaining public order and to discuss plans for the development of infrastructure, public open space and the city centre in order to continue work on neighbourhood development and the promotion of public order in this strategically important area of Riga.

Since the beginning of 2024, S/C Origo has held several meetings with the Riga City Council and law enforcement authorities, advocating for active measures to ensure public order in the vicinity of the Central Station. Throughout the year, a number of preventive measures were implemented, including increased operational activity by the State Police and Riga Municipal Police, regular patrols and surveys of the neighbourhood, as well as inspections by the State Police, and other measures aimed at improving public order and security.

“We sincerely thank the involved authorities for their work in improving public order in the neighbourhood. However, several challenges remain, particularly regarding the enhancement of public order and the development plans for the public open space adjacent to the Central Station. We must continue the work we have started to ensure the sustainable development of the area. Past experience has shown that targeted action leads to improvements. Such events will ensure public order and stimulate the development of the neighbourhood and future projects, thus attracting additional investment and facilitating new business initiatives, making this a dynamic, modern and attractive part of the city,” says Evija Majevska, Commercial Director of Linstow Baltic and the Origo multifunctional centre.

During the meeting, S/C Origo gave a detailed overview of the current situation and the improvement of public order, as well as pointed out the need to improve the public infrastructure of the area adjacent to the Central Station. Particular attention was paid to ensuring cleanliness and tidiness in the vicinity of the privately-owned, unoccupied building, which used to house a gambling hall, and to cleaning up and improving the underpass (tunnel) network on 13. Janvāra Street, as deteriorated and damaged infrastructure contributes to an unfavourable social environment and attracts unwanted gatherings. It creates a negative image of the Central Station area and undermines the sense of security and convenience for residents and visitors.

Linda Ozola, Vice-Mayor of Riga, emphasized that both the Riga Municipality and the private sector share an interest in improving the Central Station area.

“In recent years, significant investments have been made in real estate development in the area, completely transforming its functionality and visual image. This was the third meeting with S/C Origo in two years, to which I invited the Riga Municipal Police, the responsible departments of the Riga Municipality and the non-governmental sector to seek solutions to challenges similar to those faced by other European capitals. I am pleased to say that the meetings with the management of S/C Origo have brought real, tangible results – as evidenced by the company’s and police incident statistics.

The increased police presence, video surveillance by the Riga Municipal Police, as well as the close cooperation between the State Police, the Municipal Police, and the Origo shopping centre have made a significant contribution. Alongside this, we are implementing preventive measures, for example, in the coming months, a youth support centre co-financed by the Riga Municipality will be opened in the Central Station area. Although the situation has improved, such active coordination of the municipality with the private sector will be very important in the future, so that Riga residents and visitors will find it safer and more pleasant to travel, shop and work in the vicinity of the Central Station,” says L. Ozola.

Thanks to the preventive measures and the prompt action of law enforcement authorities, public order around the Central Station improved last year. The effective cooperation between Origo’s security service and the operational authorities, as well as the increased presence of the State Police and the Riga Municipal Police and their control measures contributed to the improvement of the situation.

During the meeting, S/C Origo emphasized the need to maintain cooperation by ensuring regular and prompt presence of the State Police and Riga Municipal Police, especially during the dark hours of the day when various unwanted groups gather in the neighbourhood, creating crime, security and social risks.

At the end of the meeting, all parties agreed to continue working together on relevant issues and to exchange operational information in order to maintain active cooperation this year, ensuring public order and the successful implementation of plans for the development of the public open space in the Central Station area.

Origo shopping centre extends its gratitude to the representatives of Riga Municipality, State Police, Riga Municipal Police, and social partners for the meeting and constructive cooperation! Special thanks to the security company Grifs AG, the Riga East Department of the State Police Riga Region Administration, and the Riga Municipal Police for their responsiveness and increased presence, as well as additional inspections to improve public order in the neighbourhood.