ON Monday last, the Police launched their Christmas Security Plan. The occasion was attended by the consumers represented by the Guyana Consumers Association, the Private Sector Commission, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Association of Private Security Organisations and many senior Police Officers among others.
Every year, the Police have been launching their special Christmas Security Operation until it is now taken for granted, but such an operation necessitates a great deal of skillful planning and hard work and dedicated service by senior officers and ranks.

This year, the Operation has been improved in many ways. up to last year the City spread was confined to five areas. This year, a sixth area has been added including Sheriff Street and Sophia. The Police Intelligence has been greatly improved and this has resulted in the arrest of more criminals and the prevention of crime. They have been employing more modern technology including ICT. For example, criminals or pranksters who had once telephoned 911 so as to divert or dissipate Police effort could now be immediately traced. Further, 911 availability has been extended countrywide.

During the season, there would be substantial increases in beat duty men and motorised patrols. The foot patrols would be in operation for 24 hours per day, in two shifts. Around the banks, there would be special C.I.D. surveillance which will be extended to the Georgetown prison, hotels, night spots and general businesses.
The Christmas Security Plan not only includes the physical presence of the Police and their ready availability, it also includes a useful educational component which was presented by Crime Chief Paul Williams. Assistant Commissioner Williams mentioned a number of simple but important things of which citizens should be aware. He mentioned, for example, that suspicious or unusual behaviour could indicate that a crime is about to occur and that persons should be vigilant and prepared. It is useful to vary bank deposit routines so that depositors’ activities are not predictable or traceable.

Or in coming out of one’s car, one should look around to ascertain that there are no strange persons or unusual activity in the vicinity. If such were to occur, drive away and if one is being followed, drive into the nearest police station or to the nearest police outpost. Similarly, in making a night deposit, one should carefully ascertain that the coast is clear before getting out of one’s vehicle and going towards the deposit machine. Or one should buy from reputable places and not from anyone who may offer a cheaper price. Motorcar parts, for example, sold by a non-dealer, could be stolen parts and open the buyers to serious criminal charges of receiving stolen property. Assistant Commissioner Paul Williams gave many other suggestions and tips. For example, in withdrawing large sums of money from banks, it is much safer to use a manager’s cheque since the cashier’s money counter would visibly and audibly indicate a possible victim to any criminals surveying.

The holiday traffic arrangements would come into force immediately enabling the free flow of traffic and so avoiding congestion at any point and cars carelessly parked impeding traffic will be removed. Since Traffic Chief Dion Moore has a detailed knowledge of the roads of Georgetown and its urban spread, as well as the times and points when and where congestion may occur, he would, therefore, be able to deploy his men where most needed.
Shoppers and Christmas crowds would feel far safer with the added police presence and shop owners and their staff would also be able to carry on their businesses with full confidence. The public transport would be much safer since there would be less temptation of minibuses to speed recklessly and pick-pockets and snatchers would be inhibited.

There were two criminal activities which seem to intensify during the holiday period which was not dealt with in detail at the adumbration of the Christmas Safety Plan: The first, is the excessive noise which is generated in the minibuses. This can easily be ameliorated if the police were to act with firmness against offenders.
The second, is the recent rise of the motorcycle robbers who usually carry firearms which they are prepared to use on their victims. These gangs suddenly pounce down on people and rob them, even of their cars. Similar to the motorcycle bandits, there are a number of bandits who use motor cars with dark-tinted windows. With good Intelligence and determination, the Police should be able to eliminate this form of crime since the motorcycle bandits are few in number and the motor car ones always have very dark-tinted windows.

It is very necessary that the Police suppress and eliminate these motor-cycle robbers since they have taken to operating in the residential areas and attacking prominent citizens and women in particular. Fear of this kind of crime reverberates throughout the society and is eclipsing much of the good work the Police would have achieved. One such motorcycle crime was recently perpetrated on a very prominent businesswoman and newspaper columnist and this particular crime is being discussed at all levels of Society. Capture of these bandits would certainly bring much relief and enhance the reputation of the Police.