In something right out of a science fiction story, Venezuelan police will soon patrol the city of Caracas from the sky in three airships that will keep an eye on the local population and its out of control crime problem.

The Venezuelan capital is regarded as one of the most dangerous cities in Latin America, with gun crime a particular problem.

The 15 metre (49 foot) long air ships are emblazoned with government slogans. Written in bright red are the words: “We watch over you for your security.”

Ironically, this story is being reported by the BBC, that’s British Broadcasting System.  The British are the ones who already have a similar system in place with CCTV cameras on nearly every street corner in London.  The British have also already purchased the Predator UAV for the police to use in the Merseyside area two years ago.

While it is a good thing that the BBC is reporting this story, when the British government employed the same tactics, we read the never-ending apologetics about the problems of thuggery, terrorists, and general, anti-social behavior among the British population.  When the British did it, it was for the betterment of its people.  When Hugo Chavez does it, it’s another example of his over-reaching totalitarian regime.

Three years ago, the LA Police also deployed UAVs, however, they are still fighting with the FAA in getting permission to use them.  This isn’t an easy task to accomplish as the FAA requires many hurdles to be overcome before they even think of letting unmanned ships fly near the population.

New York City also used a Fuji blimp during the 2004 Republican National Convention for security reasons against terrorists and the local, American nutjob that might try to disrupt proceedings.

Currently, we only have to fear Bush and what the government is doing.  We can still protest and try to work to make things better.  Most major cities in the USA are safe enough to walk about at night without fears of something horrific happening to you.

“Our intention is to reduce criminal activity in the city, that’s a big problem, something the presidency has recognised,” he said.

The government has stopped publishing crime figures, but last year the UN said that per capita there were more deaths from guns than anywhere else in the world.

The city of Caracas is trying to do something to cut down on crime and, when you live in a city where the crime lords and the drug dealers control the show, it is very easy to agree to this sort of protection.  These people are living in a city where the criminals and the terrorists can, and do, whatever the hell they want.  Caracas, it appears doesn’t have any other way to prevent the outrageous violence that plagues the city.

Most Caracas residents agree something needs to be done to make the city safer. As they are watched, they will be watching too to see if these hi-tech machines make any difference to their lives.

Most likely, the world will watch as well.  While I don’t like the idea of UAVs or UAV blimps, in a city that is plaqued by crime, it is being welcomed by its citizens to prevent crime and make the city, and themselves, safer.