With Christmas fast approaching, citizens are being assured that there will be a heightened police presence in and around the capital, as well as in other major shopping districts.
Media Ambassador for the Police Service, ASP Rajesh Lal, says a security plan is being rolled out with the help of the Defence Force.
“You will see more foot patrols within the Port of Spain area,” he explained, adding that there will be “greater collaboration with other stakeholders.”
“You will see further joint army patrols, as well. Our focus will be on those streets where a number of commuters and pedestrians will be going to do their shopping,” ASP Lal noted. “So, there will be an increased [presence], especially closer to Christmas time, and we also will be actually implementing it even before that period.”
However, ASP Lal is urging everyone to take personal responsibility to ensure that they are not easy targets for criminals.
“When you’re going into certain areas, try not to walk with jewellery and secure your phones,” he advised.
“You don’t need to be on your phone while you’re walking and losing that situational awareness. You know when you’re on your phone, you tend to not know what is going on around you,” he pointed out. “Keep your phone secured until or unless you have to use it. Be aware of your surroundings, and keep your valuables stowed away.”
The Police Service also is advising small business employers to take extra precautions when paying employees, to ensure that neither the business owner nor their employees become victims.
