With the Christmas season in full swing, persons are being asked to take extra care in order to ensure their safety. Women, especially, are being urged to do certain simple things.

An officer from the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) advises women to be wary of the places they go.

She also warns that women should ensure that they carefully choose the type of vehicles they use as taxis. She says women should avoid tinted vehicles, which do not allow them to recognise the number of occupants in them.

The Constabulary Communications Network (CCN) also advises women against leaving their valuables or handbags near open windows. While on the road, the CCN suggests that women carry their purses with the flap to the body and their hand on the clasp.

General advice

The CCN offers more general advice as it further encourages persons to be on the alert this Christmas, especially in busy shopping areas.

While on the street, persons are being asked to be on the lookout for pickpockets, avoid wearing excessive jewellery and carrying large sums of money.

Persons are also encouraged to form lines when boarding buses as this limits the likelihood of them being robbed, as thieves operate best when there is disorganisation. Finally, persons are being asked to carefully plan their routines, particularly at night.

To ensure safety at home, persons are advised to trim shrubbery as they may serve as hiding places for thieves. Persons should also ensure that their houses are properly secured. If they are at one end of the house, the other areas should also be carefully secured.