Exercise caution this Christmas

It’s that time of the year again. No, I do not mean the time to break out the ham and the jug-jug and the sorrel, or the time to be singing carols at the top of your lungs, but the main period in the year where you have to be extra careful to safeguard yourself from the light hands of those who will have what you have worked for, by cutting out the pesky middle step of getting a job.

 

We all know how crazy the Christmas season can get in trying to finish everything before the big day – the grocery shopping, looking for those special knick knacks for the house and searching for the right gift for those special loves ones. 

 

In that bustle, it is easy to get caught up with moving from store to store quickly without really paying attention to ensuring that we do not become a victim of thieves, and that is exactly what these individuals are counting on. So take to heart the advice of the Royal Barbados Police Force; do not make yourself a target. That means no flashing of large amounts of money while shopping; reducing the amount of money you travel with by using debit cards at cash point sales; ensuring that handbags are securely fastened and that the zip is within your line of sight; properly securing your car in a well lit area; and leaving that flashy jewellery at home.

 

Be vigilant as reaching the safety of one’s own abode can result in actions that thieves can take full advantage of. Many of us have heard of several incidents where women have arrived home only to have their handbags, and even groceries stolen from them.

 

Speaking of homes, owners and tenants must also seek to secure their belongings as burglaries also see a rise at this time of the year. Ensure that you record the serial numbers of your electronics, 

especially tablets, laptops and cell phones; and if they possess anti-theft applications, use them! Secure your windows and doors properly, even when at home, and if possible, invest in security lights, burglar bars and CCTV cameras. It may be expensive at first, but peace of mind is priceless.

 

This advice comes from my own experience, as less than three months ago my home was burglarised  while my family and I were asleep. For weeks after, there was the feeling of violation, and to this day the slightest noise causes us to get up at night and check around the house, even though security measures have been put in place.

 

Being stuck in traffic has also led to several robberies over the years, so please ensure that valuables are not easily at hand for those who can pass by and grab them out of your vehicle quickly.

 

I would also like to encourage retailers to provide security for customers and potential customers within the car parks of these establishments. It is not good enough to only have several guards on the inside protecting what you are selling, while your customers are being placed at risk due to little or no lighting and no security guard/s to ensure that no nefarious characters are hanging around.

 

Let us try to protect ourselves as much as possible by taking less risks to ensure that all, except the thieves, have a wonderful Christmas.