Safety tips for crime prevention!

By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - IN an effort to equip residents of the Federation with the necessary tools to reduce the likelihood of them falling prey to criminal activities, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has issued tips for circumventing crime during the Christmas/Carnival season.

Head of the Police Force’s Press and Public Relations Office, Inspector Cromwell Henry told SKNVibes that history has shown there is generally an increase in criminal activities during the Christmas/Carnival season and persons should take that added precaution to protect themselves.

As one of the first rules of crime prevention, persons are asked to “be alert” and to become aware of their surroundings. Criminals are informed of what transpired in their respective communities and it is up to the other community members to learn of crime trends and develop strategies of how they can protect themselves.

Most criminals pay keen attention to their potential victim’s daily routine and use that regularity to their advantage. To this end, the police are advising that persons vary their routines which would make it difficult for criminal elements to execute their errant plans.

With regards to reducing the likelihood of carjacking or vehicular theft, the police are imploring persons to be proactive and leave nothing up to change.

Tips include:
• Lock it up. Keep windows/doors locked when not in use;
• Use an anti-theft device;
• Never leave a spare key inside the car;
• Park in a well-lighted place;
• Sound your horn and flash your lights if you think you’re being approached by a carjacker;
• Stay one to one and a half lengths away from the car ahead of you;
• When stopped, check mirrors and blind spot; and
• Avoid leaving packages in your vehicle in plain view. Put them in the trunk.

Persons as well as their homes are also targeted by criminal elements during the Christmas/Carnival season and police have said that proactivity is needed if these are to be safeguarded from criminals.~~Adz:Right~~

Tips include:

• Locks are your first line of defence. Keep your buildings homes, offices etc locked;
• Make your home a tough target – use floodlights, motion sensors, a security system, deadbolts, etc;
• Be creative and think of unusual ways to protect yourself and your valuables within the confines of the law;
• Get more involved in your community through the organisation of a community watch group.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is encouraging persons to “don’t give up” remembering that “crime can be reduced with action, not apathy”!

The law enforcement body has extended best wishes to the public for a pleasurable Carnival Season.

“The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force takes the opportunity to extend to the public best wishes for the Christmas Season and a safe and enjoyable Carnival,” Inspector Henry told SKNVibes.