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Police promise increased presence this weekend
7/29/2010
By Allison Ramsay
As the Crop Over Festival comes to a climax next Monday there will be an increased police presence throughout the island, especially at major events such as Foreday Morning and Grand Kadooment.
In an interview with the Barbados Advocate, Public Relations Officer of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF), Inspector David Welch, said that with more bands for Foreday Morning and a longer route for Grand Kadooment, police personnel will be out in full force.
“There are more bands for Foreday Morning and we will have more officers out. Also the route has changed for Grand Kadooment so we will have extra personnel on foot and mobile patrols placed strategically along the route. We will also use other technology such as cameras. During Grand Kadooment, there will be constant assessment of the situation on the ground so that we can deploy according to the circumstances,” said Inspector Welch.
Inspector Welch said that the RBPF will be assisting the bands to get down from Warrens to the Spring Garden Highway safely and on time. “We don’t want to have any bands on the road when it is getting dark. We are hoping that by that time everyone will be on the Spring Garden Highway.”
“We have increased the personnel throughout the island because we have to strike a balance between servicing the needs of the wider community and policing the events. So, we have more numbers on mobile and foot patrol in Bridgetown and the environs where fêtes and other activities will be held so that no breaches of the peace are committed and that our presence too would deter criminal activity. Although this is so, we still need those persons to play their part in the crime prevention effort,” he said.
Safety tips
Speaking about crime prevention and safety for the remainder of the season, he said that persons should limit their alcohol consumption if they have to drink and if they think they would be too incapacitated to drive they should have a designated driver.
“Driving under the influence can take a life and we would not like to see any road fatalities at all. We would advise persons not to drink and drive,” he urged.
He advised persons who are too tired to drive after attending an event not to continue on the road but to stop in a place that is popular and hopefully populated. He said that persons should secure their vehicles and call someone to inform them of the situation.
Inspector Welch suggested that persons attending events should not display a lot of cash in public or wear an excessive amount of jewellery to attract potential robberies.
He added, “What we are also seeing is persons walking the streets using their cell phones which creates the opportunity for thieves to snatch or rob persons of their belongings. People need to be aware of these sorts of things. You have to see if it is safe to use your cell phone in public. However, if the unfortunate happens, try not to resist. But in a prevention mode, you should try to mark your cell phone so that you would be able to identify it in the future.”
Inspector Welch also stated that it would be best that persons coming or going to events do not walk alone or take short cuts to deter the possibility of criminal activity.
He further advised that upon leaving their homes, patrons should not leave any windows open for ventilation and secure their doors and windows with proper locks.
“It would be good to have lights on the outside such as sensor lights and a good relationship with your neighbours who can keep an eye on your home would help too,” he reminded.
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