Looking Back: We want a crime-free festive season — Police

The Herald 17 December 2014

POLICE have warned people to abide by the law and be on high alert in order to reduce the prevalence of crime during the festive season.

In a statement yesterday, police chief spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, said there was need for people to be cautious in their dealings in light of the forthcoming holidays: “As the nation braces for the forthcoming festive periods, the Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to urge the public to observe the country’s laws as they celebrate and engage in various activities to mark Christmas and New Year Holidays,” said Snr Ass Comm Charamba.

She said drivers were supposed to observe all traffic laws and avoid travelling at night.

“Drivers should not speed or try to carry excess passengers in order to maximise on profits during this holiday.

“Public service (transport) operators are urged to rein in their drivers and ensure that they respect the rights of passengers as we strive to have an accident free festive season,” she said.

Snr Ass Comm Charamba also said that with the onset of the rainy season, drivers were not supposed to attempt crossing flooded rivers and bridges.

“They (drivers) should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol,” she said.

“Motorists should check and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys.”

Snr Ass Comm Charamba said that ZRP would impound all unroadworthy and defective vehicles whilst anyone who broke road rules would be dealt with in terms of the law.

She said that those travelling were to ensure that their properties were not left unattended.

“As the public take the opportunity provided by the holiday to visit relatives in various parts of the country and resort centres, we are appealing to them to be on alert and not leave their properties unattended.

She discouraged individuals and the business community from keeping large sums of money at home or in offices.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

We are nearing the end of year and people need to exercise caution. Holidays bring out desperation in people, more especially criminals.

The festive season is the most dangerous time of the year, as crime increases around this time. The following are some of the crimes people need to watch out for:

1. Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes committed during the holidays. With shopping at an all-time high during the Christmas and New Year holidays, shoplifters have more opportunities to take advantage of the large crowds and distracted workers.
2. The holidays are a hot time for robberies because of the increased cash volume and the disruptions. Robbers are aware of the fact that people carry more money on them during the holidays and they will go to great lengths to try to steal from people on the street, shops, parking lots and other public spaces.
3. Drunk driving is extremely common this time of year and fatalities related to alcohol-impaired driving has increased over the years.
4. Home burglaries are a common concern any time of the year, but it gets worse during the holidays.
5. Every year, unsuspecting shoppers get duped into buying counterfeit merchandise that they think are genuine. and television shows.

The 2020 festive season is also unusual since there is need for vigilance so that people do not unnecessarily contract the new coronavirus, which is now a global pandemic.

Both police and the citizens must ensure that they follow the letter and spirit of the WHO guidelines, put in place to fight Covid-19. Figures on the second wave are already giving a gloomy picture.