By Obakeng Maje

North West-In order to ensure a safe and secure festive season, the police are encouraging everyone to take precautionary measures to safe-guard themselves and their properties during Christmas holidays.  

“It has come to attention of the police that criminals are taking advantage of the festive season and occasional leaving of residences by owners, thus randomly breaking into houses and steal valuable items” captain Pelonomi Makau said.  

Police said residents who will be leaving their houses are urged not to leave them unoccupied. This can be done by leaving a relative or any trusted and known person to take care of the house as well as to inform your neighbours about your absence as well as to apply the following safety tips as part of home security check list:      

∙Ensure that your house number is clearly visible from the street.

∙Cut or trim you r trees and shrubs to make it difficult for criminals to hide.

∙Where possible, have security screens on doors and deadbolts  or deadlocks fitted and fit your home with an alarm.

∙Ensure that that your home light are well lit.

∙Store your tools and ladders properly and away from criminals.

∙Fit your house with automatic timer or sensors lights.

∙Make use of peep holes before opening the door when responding to a knock.

∙Lock the meter box.

∙Engrave your valuables and other household properties.

∙Create your own and keep safe a serial number book for all serial numbered properties.

∙Join local crime prevention initiatives and neighbourhood watches.   

Motorists are warned to exercise caution, be alert  and avoid at all costs to give lifts to hitch-hikers irrespective whether they are males or females as some of them victimise the same motorists who offered them lifts by robbing them. 

“In a recent incident in Koster, a  car was hijacked from the driver after giving lift to three men. The victim’s friend was shot in the leg after arriving at the scene and tried to check what was happening” Makau said.  

The community and motorists can contact the nearest police station in case of any incident or suspicious strangers or hitch-hikers.   

“Crime is everybody’s responsibility, thus the community is urged to work together with police and structures like Community Police Forum to ensure safety and security of all citizens during this period of festivities” outlines Makau.-TDN

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