THE festive season is here, traffic-jams are already common, the number of street vendors is increasing daily, shoppers are crowding city pavements, Christmas carols can be heard in stores and shopping malls. Christmas is in the air. Unfortunately, as is the case every year, the issue of crime is now of greater concern, particularly robbery, theft, and other crimes involving loss of money or other valuables.

Government has assured the public that policies are being implemented to address all crimes, including holiday crimes. For example, the Security Sector Reform Project (SSRP) final report prepared by British security expert Lt. Col (Ret’d) Russell Combe is now in the possession of President Granger. One will recall that a programme to reform the security sector was scrapped in 2009 by the PPP regime because the British had requested oversight of the programme to ensure that there was no theft and corruption by PPP government officials.

The current coalition administration, on the other hand, has vowed to entirely reform the security forces by decentralising the Guyana Police Force, emphasising a regional command structure, and instituting a pyramidal administrative arrangement. This commitment by government should be welcomed by all Guyanese after the decades of mismanagement and neglect of the sector by the PPP government.

As Christmas Day approaches, government is obviously taking action to protect citizens from criminals. One notes an increase in the number and frequency of vehicular patrols, a surge in the number of police outposts and a rise in the number of visible police officers in Georgetown and other shopping areas across Guyana.

However, Guyanese will agree that as government does its part, citizens too are an integral part of a collaborative approach to crime prevention. While this subject is naturally in focus during the holidays, it obviously applies throughout the year.
Last month, Deputy Commissioner of Police Lyndon Alves gave specific advice to citizens regarding how to avoid becoming victims of crime, particularly during the busy festive season.
He advised that Guyanese rely on ATM cards rather than cash to make purchases; and business operators be on the alert for counterfeit cash and fake cheques, especially on weekends. He advised too, that businesses ensure that their CCTV cameras are in good working order and move large sums of cash only under security escort.

The veteran police officer urged that Guyanese be vigilant, he said, “beware of con artists and pickpockets.” He mentioned the specific scams of three-card games and thieves pointing to money on the ground that you have supposedly dropped, and snatching your bag or other valuables when you bend down to pick up the money.
The deputy commissioner advised drivers to keep doors and windows locked, park only in well-lighted areas, avoid leaving valuables in parked vehicles and have your keys ready when approaching your parked vehicle.

Persons should not allow strangers to use their phones, as phones are a favourite target of thieves. He recommended that persons avoid using their phones in public as thieves who are watching usually target persons whom they believe are distracted.
He noted that taxi drivers are vulnerable, as they allow strangers into their vehicles. He suggested that such drivers be familiar with the locations of police stations, gas stations, and other 24-hour facilities to which they can go for assistance in the event of an emergency.

The recommendations of the GPF expressed by the deputy commissioner mirror those made by other experts. Criminologists recommend that persons avoid flaunting flashy jewellery in public, be alert, walk with purpose, don’t stop for strangers, stay in well-lit areas, carry your keys in your hand, don’t flash money, and always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.

As Guyanese prepare for the holidays, we should do everything that we can to remain safe from crime. This is also the case throughout life, as criminals will always be among us. We should own our safety, even as government works to improve our security environment. We should always bear in mind that security is best achieved when we work hand in hand with law enforcement, heed their advice, and approach our own safety as a collaborative undertaking.