By Carl Greaux
In wake of the increase in break-ins and other forms of criminal activities in which individuals are targeted, I would like to suggest that citizens and residents of the twin-island Federation take cognisance of the below mention advice on prevention.
A person is guilty of robbery if he or she steals and immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, uses force on any person or puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being there and then subjected to force.
A person is also guilty of an assault with intent to rob, when taking into consideration than an assault can be referred to as a violent attack, which is one of the most devastating crimes. Like most crimes, however, robbery, which includes assault, can often be prevented. So, here are a few things that you can do to help reduce the risk of you being robbed and assaulted.
When at home, make sure windows and doors in your home can be locked securely, particularly sliding glass doors. Use the locks. Keep entrances well-lit. The police advised that you install a peephole in the door and use it. Do not let any stranger into your house when you are alone; no matter the reason or how dire the emergency is said to be. Offer to make an emergency phone call while the person waits outside. Never give the impression that you are home alone if strangers telephone or come to your door.
If you live alone, use only last name and initials on mail boxes and in phone directories. Get to know your neighbours; people you can turn to if you are worried. If you go home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, do not go in. Go to the nearest phone and call the police.
When walking in the streets of Basseterre or elsewhere, always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you. Try to stay in well-lit areas. Walk confidently at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic. Also walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys. Do not walk alone at nights and always avoid areas where there are few people. Be careful when people stop you for directions. Always reply from a distance, and never get too close.
If you are in trouble, attract help any way you can. Scream, yell for help, or yell “Fire!” Please carry as little cash as possible. If someone attacks or tries to rob you, do not resist unless you feel your life is in danger and you believe it is in your best interest. Remain calm and get the best possible description of your attacker/robber, starting from the head and working down to the feet. And if robbed and or assaulted, report it to the police immediately.
Business place and office security are important. All property should be marked. Cash or valuables should be in a secured area. If you work alone or before/after normal business hours, keep the business/office door lock. You can install security cameras, an alarm system and or a security guard. If you work late, try to find another worker or a security guard to walk with you when leaving the premises. Always be alert of suspicious person who comes into your business place. Report all suspicious people and activities to the proper authorities: officer manager, building security or to the police. Call 911 if the situation is life-threatening.
If you are attacked, there is no single strategy that always works. Remember these tips: Keep your head. Stay as calm as possible. Think rationally and evaluate your resource and options. It is advisable to submit than to resist and risk severe injury or death; a decision you will have to make based on the circumstances. Be especially careful if your robber/attacker has a weapon.
Keep assessing the situation as it is happening. If one strategy does not work, try another. Possible options, in addition to non-resistance, are negotiation, stalling for time, distracting the assailant and fleeing to a safe place, verbal assertiveness, screaming to attract attention, and physical resistance. Remember to stay alert and observant so that you better describe your robber/attacker and the robbery or assault to the police.
After an attack or being robbed, go to a safe place and call the police. The sooner you make the report the greater the chances the robber/attacker will be caught. Do not destroy any clothing you were wearing at the time of the robbery or assault. Do dot disturb anything in the area where it took place. Write down a description of the robber/attacker and the circumstances of what happened. Police need all the information they can get about the assailant.
Practice to being alert and observant; you can avoid many threatening situations. And if you are attacked or robbed, you will be better able to describe the assailant to the police. If someone you know has been robbed or attack, be a good friend…lend an ear and suggest others who can help.
