EDITORIAL
With Christmas just around the corner, the members of the Royal Barbados Police Force are taking no chances and officers are already making their presence felt on local streets, to deter the criminally minded.
Now it seems that each and every year, the Police Force has to step up its policing efforts for the Yuletide season. Members of the Force are kept very busy, as they go out and about in their numbers, in an effort to cut down on criminal activity.
It is fair to say that most Barbadians look forward to the Yuletide season. The merchants are always eager as well, to usher in this season. However, we must remember that as the merchants put strategies in place to entice shoppers, there is also a criminal element among us that will also be making plans for the season, albeit with a different view in mind. The criminally minded will be devising schemes to relieve shoppers and merchants of their valuables and other prized possessions. Each year we hear of pickpockets and shoplifters, who are using crafty schemes to accomplish their mission – that of stealing. We also hear of a number of robberies, as well as bouts of theft. The Force has therefore noted that shoppers and citizens in general should remain vigilant, during this active festive season.
We really must tip our hat to the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) for the job done in general, but more so at Christmas, in deterring those with a criminal mind, given the recessionary period. With that said however, we really do not want the Force to rest on its laurels. We want to see more mobile units around. As done in the past, the RBPF can set them up at strategic locations, to ensure that the Force’s presence is better felt by members of the public and so as to ensure a more rapid response to any reports of criminal activity.
Around this time of year, there are other issues that surface as well, such as loitering and illegal vending that also vie for the attention of our officers. In addition to matters of general safety on the streets, these issues also need some attention and as such, a pro-active approach is needed by the Police Force, to keep order. Of course, special attention will be paid to our historic capital of Bridgetown, where the bulk of Christmas shopping occurs for both locals and visitors and this is muchly appreciated.
We can be sure the average Barbadian feels a certain level of comfort and security as they see members of the Royal Barbados Police Force out in their numbers in Swan Street and its environs, clearing sidewalks and doing their best to maintain order on the streets. However, whilst citizens may feel more comfortable traversing to and fro, whether for work or leisure, knowing that the Police Force has their interest at heart, they too have a part to play in ensuring that they remain cautious and vigilant this Christmas season. Too many Barbadians callously walk around displaying valuables such as cellphones and money after exiting stores or just simply walking the streets, but they must be reminded to put away all their valuables and exercise great caution when shopping around.
As we go down the home stretch, we really do hope that this Christmas season will be a peaceful one and that there will not be too many instances of crime and violence, to mar this Holiday period. With that said, may all Barbadians enjoy a happy and crime free Christmas.