The Carnival season is upon us and, as a police officer, it is part of my duty to share my knowledge on some safety tips that could be employed by homeowners, the business community and others for such a season.
Firstly, let’s look at burglary, which is a crime of opportunity for burglars during the Carnival season. To a burglar, visibility means vulnerability. Burglars hide behind fences, shrubs and any other available object to conceal themselves while casing an intended house or building to break into.
The key is to keep them out while keeping your property visible. Any fencing around your property can be a psychological deterrent to illegal entry. A burglar needs to think he can get away with whatever he takes from your home.
I recommend that persons should cut high shrubs or hedges to a reasonable height, especially those close to windows, so that burglars could not use them to avoid detection. I also recommend that lights be used to illuminate all dark areas, especially doors and windows. When leaving your home to attend any of the Carnival events make sure windows and doors in your home are locked securely, particularly sliding glass doors. Use the locks. Keep entrances well-lit.
Secondly, for business places office security is important during Carnival season. All property should be marked. Cash or valuables should be in a secured area. If you work alone, or before or after normal business hours, keep the business or office door locked. 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 persons who come 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.
Thirdly, during the Carnival season, when calling in a crime or suspicious activity to the Police, persons should state the type of crime; whether it is burglary, assault, suspicious person or vehicle in the neighbourhood, etc. They should also state if the crime is in progress or if it had already been perpetrated, location of the crime and the location from where they are calling. As complete as possible, a description of the suspect involved, including any associates observed, and information regarding any weapon that might also be in their possession must be communicated to the Police.
When giving the description of a vehicle involved in a crime, try your best to identify the make, model or year type, any identifying marks (dents, broken glass, signs or stickers) on the vehicle and the last known direction of travel. Please note that when the Police Officer(s) arrived on the scene, he or she will often request additional information that you may be able to provide.
We can all agree that no police force can function effectively without the concerned assistance of responsible citizens. So, for the Carnival season the Police are depending on you to call and tell them whenever you observe suspicious persons or actions. Call the Police immediately about all suspicious activity and do it yourself; you don’t even need to identify yourself if you don’t want to. Don’t worry about being embarrassed if your suspicions prove unfounded. Think instead about what might happen if you don’t.
Fourthly, when heading to any of the Carnival events, always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you. If walking by yourself, 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.
Lastly, if you are in trouble, attract help any way you can. Scream, yell for help, or yell “Fire or Police!” 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 or robber, starting from the head and working down to the feet. And if robbed and or assaulted, report it to the police immediately.
If someone you know has been robbed or attacked, be a good friend…lend an ear and suggest others who can help. Have a safe Carnival season.
