STAY ALERT TO STAY SAFE
Police boss cautions public
Botswana Police Service (BPS) Acting Divisional Commander South Central, Bony Bareki, has cautioned the public to be alert because “everyone is a potential victim of crime this festive season.”
In a brief interview with The Voice recently, Bareki said there are no specific crime hotspots identified in Gaborone and opportunities for criminal activity usually present themselves regardless of location.
“Whenever there is an opportunity, a perpetrator and a victim, crime can take place hence I believe that there is no specific place for crimes to occur in Gaborone, we advice people to be extra cautious when driving or as pedestrians as anything can happen,” he said.
However, Bareki noted that on a positive note statistics has indicated that crime has declined in Gaborone.
“Issues of street robberies, burglary and house break-ins have gone down but what is worrisome is police have noticed an emerging trend whereby thieves are targeting business areas such as general dealers in remote areas. We are, however, working hard to solve that problem,” said Bareki.
In order to curb crime during the entire festive season, police have mounted patrols across the country.
Five ways to increase your personal safety this festive:
1. Be AWARE of your surroundings at all times and trust your INSTINCTS, you are better safe than sorry 2. Increase awareness in places where you’re most comfortable. 3. Stay in well-lit, populated pathways. Avoid shortcuts and alleys/passages. 4. Walk with your head upright. Make eye contact. Thieves often target victims who are not paying attention to their surroundings or who are looking down. DON’T WALK AND TEXT. 5. Before entering your apartment building/ gate, have your keys ready. Don’t hold doors for anyone you don’t know.