THE ROYAL BARBADOS Police Force is calling on citizens and visitors alike be more vigilant this Yuletide season.
Acting Station Sergeant Roland Cobbler said certain types of crime will record a marginal increase during this time, partly because the evening becomes dark earlier.
“We want to encourage individuals to adopt the attitude “See It, Tell It”. This will play an essential role in reducing criminality in our society. The reporting of suspicious activities or being a witness to a crime can make a big difference in any criminal investigation,” the acting crime prevention officer said in a release.
Cobbler said the Force also wanted to discourage individuals from providing a readily available market for stolen property.
“The law is very specific as it relates to receiving or handling stolen property. Therefore persons must make all efforts to confirm the legitimacy of any property they have an interest in purchasing on the black market. Individuals have to look pass the idea of obtaining property that is cheap or at a discounted cost if they cannot confirm that the seller of the property is the rightful owner,” he said.
Cobbler also appealed to those who are engaged in the business of cash for gold and metal dealership to ensure that they carefully scrutinize who and what they take from people who come to their establishment to transact business.
The officer said the Force was also concerned about increasing prevalence in the use of firearms in the perpetration of crime and to resolve conflict. He urged residents to pass on information relating to people in possession of illegal firearms, or areas where illegal firearms are being concealed.
“As it relates to businesses and the offence of shoplifting, business owners and employees must be conscious of the fact that sometimes these perpetrators will travel in groups. In some cases they will employ the tactic of distraction, where one or two of the perpetrators distract the employees whilst the others commit the act,” he cautioned.
On the issue of home security, Cobbler said homeowners and neighbours should look outside if they hear dogs barking continuously.
“If suspicious persons or vehicles are seen in the area, all efforts should be made to safely make a note of the description of those persons and vehicles seen and the police immediately informed,” he said.
Cobbler said people can be assured of confidentiality when they make reports to Emergency Number 211, the Crime Stoppers Programme, or “in some cases through officers they trust and know well”. (NB)
