THE holiday season is here and as local stores and shoppers gear up for the annual Christmas commercial season, the Guyana Association of Private Security Organisations, (GAPSO), is reminding shoppers to take extra precautions for the “Grinchy criminals” who prey on distracted shoppers.

GAPSO recommends keeping a close eye on your purses, handbags and wallets while you shop, and particularly to remain aware of your surroundings. It is a joyous season, but it is also the season to be wary of burglars, thieves, con-artists and other “holiday grinches.”
Nothing can ruin the holiday spirit faster than becoming a victim of crime. Here are some tips to remember when you’re out shopping this season:
• Stay alert of your surroundings at all times and don’t get overloaded with too many packages. Use your third sense.
• Pickpockets operate most successfully in crowds. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse under your arm and keep wallets in an inside jacket pocket, not a back trouser pocket.
• Do not count your money while walking or shopping.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason(s). Con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
• Avoid talking on your cellphone as you walk through the market, shopping centres and malls. It can leave you distracted and vulnerable.
• Always park in a well-lit and well-travelled area. Be prepared with your car keys in hand, so you can enter your vehicle without delay.
• When you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you become separated from them.
• Never leave packages or valuables in plain sight in your vehicle. If you must store items in your car, the best place is a locked trunk.
• Shop online with companies you know and trust. Check a company’s background if you’re not familiar with it. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
GAPSO would also like to remind drivers during this holiday season to buckle up, drive safely, pay close attention to the road and look out for pedestrians. Because there will be more drinking going on during the holidays, various Christmas socials and gatherings and an increase in nightlife choices, there will consequently be more drinking and driving going on during the holidays. GAPSO is therefore pleading with motorists to be responsible and don’t drink and drive. If you do drink, designate a sober driver or take a taxi or public transportation.
GAPSO’s Crime Prevention efforts are meant to strengthen the partnership among our members, the police and the community that they serve. We hope that together, we can make our communities safer.
GAPSO is the leading professional association of security practitioners in Guyana, promoting the highest standards through advocacy, collaboration, education, and the promotion of high ethical standards in the operation and management of security services within Guyana. Our members represent virtually every industry in the public and private sectors, and organisations of all sizes. GAPSO provides exceptional member service, on-going education, and advocacy and business solutions for its members.
We strive to advance the needs of our members under a collective voice in those matters that relate to legislation and business activities that affect our members.