The Christmas Holidays are here again. This is the time of year for cheer, happiness and joy. It is a very busy time of the year and also a time where crime becomes more frequent.
Criminals love the Christmas season, just like any other holiday and they love this season as much as everyone else, because it is a great opportunity for them to do what they do so well and that is to commit crime.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten is without any doubt doing its utmost, to protect you, your family and your property, in combating these criminals. The Public Relation Office of the Sint Maarten Police Force is therefore offering the entire community, the following safety tips, to help them prepare and make their Christmas holidays a much safer and joyous one.
Remember the 3 A’s of Crime Prevention
1. Be Aware of your surroundings at all times.
2. Be Alert to suspicious people and vehicles.
3. Avoid dangerous situations.
If you are out for the evening:
– Turn on lights, radio or television so that it looks like some-one is at home.
– Lock all doors and windows well, even if you are just leaving for a few minutes.
– Don’t display items where they can be seen from the outside
– Park your car in a well-lit area and make sure all windows and doors are locked.
– Avoid carrying a large amount of cash. Don’t flash cash around and carry it in a safe place on you.
– If you have to use the ATM-machine, pay close attention to suspicious persons hanging around the machine. If that’s the case pass up that machine and find another.
– Carry all wallets in the front pockets and carry purses close to your body.
– Keep your children close to you while shopping or attending any other activities and don’t let them get separated from you.
– Pay attention to persons walking in front and behind you. (Especially in crowded places favorable for pickpockets)
– When returning to your vehicle or your home, have your keys in your hands ready to open the door.
– Before entering your vehicle, check front and rear and seats for any one that may be hiding there. Lock doors immediately after entering.
If you are traveling
– Install an automatic timer for your lights or have some-one turn them on for you.
– Ask your neighbor to keep a watchful eye out for you.
– Have some pick-up your mail or newspaper. If it piles up this a sign that you are gone.
Celebrate responsibly
The Christmas season is a time for celebration with family and friends. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone. The risks of drinking and driving are not worth it. If you choose to drink during the Holiday season, don’t drive. Make use of a designated driver or public transportation. (Taxi or bus)
Make sure that you know where your kids are at all times and that they are safe
Most of all on behalf of the Police force of Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius through the Public Relation Office, "We wish the entire community of Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius and the visitors to our beautiful islands, a very happy, joyous and safe Christmas Season.
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Public Information
The Police Department wants to inform the general public, that the information "tip line" with telephone number 9300 is fully operational. An average of approximately 4 calls per day with information concerning all types of crimes and other criminal activities have been coming in.
In addition the police dept. wants to inform the general public that:
– any calls,( cellular of land line,) made using the "tip line" are free of charge.
– when any calls are made to this line a recording will come on. The recording is in English and
in Spanish.
– give your information after the recording has ended.
– don’t hang-up, speak into your phone, your information will be recorded.
– do not leave any message saying to call you back, because all calls are
confidential and your phone-number is not registered or recorded.
Finally the police dept. wants to encourage the general public to make good use of the "tip line"and give information that may help solve many ongoing criminal investigations or prevent other criminal acts or criminal activities. Crime is not only a police problem but its a community problem. Get involved and help combat crime on Sint Maarten.