THE CHRISTMAS season is again with us, and the usual rush of shoppers provides cover for thieves.
Jamaicans who intend to shop, spending hefty sums on clothes, jewellery and food, are being asked to be extra careful by the police.
In a gesture to prevent persons from becoming victims, the police are urging Jamaicans to remain alert, and have issued a number of safety tips.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of Operations, Linval Bailey, is advising shoppers to be observant and to take note of persons loitering around them. He said persons should try not to stick to patterns, but to ensure that they be random in their movements.
Assistant Commissioner Bailey gives the following tips to shoppers and homeowners:
When moving large sums of cash, try to seek the assistance of the police.
Shoppers should walk in groups and motorists should not leave valuable items that are visible in their car, because this might prompt the thieves to break into the vehicle.
If you can, avoid wearing expensive jewellery while shopping.
Persons conducting transactions at cambios and other financial institutions should be on the alert for loiterers.
Report suspicious-looking persons to security guards on location and inform the police.
While at home, residents are asked not to play their television and hi-fi sets so high that they cannot hear what is happening around them.
Do not to fall asleep with your television on.
Secure locks and bolts to windows and doors before retiring to bed.
Avoid keeping large sums of money at home.
SAFETY MEASURES
Residents are further warned not to install burglar bars on the outside because they can be cut or the grilling dug out from the wall. The police say it is also possible for burglars to remove air conditioning units to gain entry.
During the yuletide season, ACP Bailey says the streets of the commercial zones will be flooded with police personnel, both foot and mobile patrols.
