By Sue-Ann Wayow
MEMBERS of the police service are venturing out into public spaces advising citizens to protect themselves against both Covid-19 and criminal elements for the Christmas season.
Last week, AZPNews.com met with members of the Princes Town Municipal Police Station at C3 Centre, in Corinth, San Fernando.
At the mall, Senior Superintendent Santana and Assistant Superintendent of Police Guzman coordinated a pop-up booth edifying the public about some important safety tips for the Christmas Season. The exercise was supervised by Acting Inspector Lewis and Sergeant Morris-Garcia.
The exercise was a part of the community-oriented policing which will continue to ensure that there is a feeling of safety and security within the municipality and environs during the busy Christmas season, AZPNews.com was told.
The police met with patrons distributing safety flyer tips and face masks.
Sergeant Morris-Garcia said, “We are here to help and we are always willing to partner with the community. We try to be as flexible as possible and treat with the community.”
The plan is to go to all the major areas in the district especially at the Promenade in Princes Town.
She said the feedback from the public has been great so far with persons feeling an added sense of safety with the presence of police officers.
She advises, “My advice to the public is to be more vigilant about what is happening around them. Pay attention to the people when stepping in an environment, Try not to wear expensive jewellery and walk with your expensive cellphone in your hand, these are things that other people are paying attention to.”
Christmas safety tips from the police:
- Wear face masks in public
- Wash hands before and after handling items
- Keep six feet apart
- Avoid going into crowded stores
- If there is a need to go to the washroom, go in groups
- Pay attention to surroundings when shopping and going to a vehicle whether day or night
- If shopping with children, hold their hands and keep them in sight at all times
- If shopping after dark, park in a well-lit location
- Do not leave any valuables or packages in the vehicle where it can be seen
- If you feel uncomfortable, request mall security for an escort or wait until suspicious people relocate
- Locate keys before getting into a vehicle
- If using an ATM, choose one that is located inside a mall or in a well-lit location
- Know, who or what is going on around you while using the machine
