Seasonal anti-crime campaign all about safety

Superintendent Angelique Howell

(CNS): The police will be focusing on a number of security and safety risks as it begins its seasonal anti-crime campaign next week. As well as enforcing road safety, the RCIPS will be promoting personal safety and awareness and security at home, and the Joint Marine Unit will also be increasing their patrols and observations over boat safety, Superintendent Angelique Howell told CNS. Aiming to help Cayman enjoy safe and secure festivities that are as crime-free as possible, Howell said the police would begin with road safety but move the focus of the community onto other areas throughout December and into the New Year.

Given the recent tragic death at sea of a visitor to Cayman in a high-speed motor boat, she said the RCIPS marine unit would be educating boat users about watercraft safety and ensuring people are following marine and boating laws and regulations to prevent any further deaths or serious injury on the water.

With Christmas around the corner, opportunist burglars will be looking for their presents at the expense of those who do not secure their homes and businesses, she warned. The senior police officer told CNS that home and business security would feature heavily in the campaign, as she encouraged people not to leave Christmas packages in plain sight, in their cars or homes and to ensure that doors and windows are secure.

However, she said the critical factor was community awareness, as she urged people to be their brother’s keepers and watch out for their neighbours and report anything suspicious to the police. “The police can’t be everywhere, so help us. We rely on the community. If you have a bad feeling, just call us,” Superintendent Howell added.

She urged people to take care of themselves when they are out and about and be aware of their surroundings, to park in well-lit places and secure their cars. Children should be reminded not to broadcast family travel plans, and when staying home not to open the door to strangers.

“People need to be very conscious that crime is happening and it can happen to you, so be safety conscious, don’t be vulnerable to criminals as they will take advantage.”

She said the campaign was designed to try and keep people safe throughout the holiday period. “The goal is to raise awareness about the things that can negatively impact the public around Christmas and New Year,” she said, adding that police still want people to have a good time but to do so safely and securely.