The police are urging citizens to take security precautions and to be on the lookout for suspicious persons in their communities. This is in a bid to get citizens to take greater care to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

This call comes as police intelligence suggests that several criminals being sought by the police in relation to various crime often try to elude the police by fleeing to other communities, where they continue to commit their callous acts.

Useful tips

Citizens are urged to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious persons or incidents they may be involved in so that the necessary investigations can be conducted by the police.

The following are some useful tips to keep in mind:

1. Immediately report all suspicious persons or incidents in the community to the police and co-operate fully in giving lawmen information about such persons. Be keen to note mode of transportation, time of day, and specific areas such persons frequent.

2. Warn children to avoid strangers, especially if they encounter them alone in sparsely populated areas.

3. Maintain communication with the local police. They are there to protect you.

4. Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con artists may use various methods to distract you, with the aim of taking your valuables.

5. As much as is possible, travel in groups. There is much truth in the adage that says there is safety in numbers.

6. Be actively involved in the neighbourhood watch groups in your communities in an attempt to easily detect criminals so that the police can act speedily in maintaining a crime-free community.

7. As best as is possible, stay in well-lit and well-travelled areas.

8. Always trust your instincts.

The police are reminding citizens that harbouring a criminal is an offence punishable by law and are urging every citizen to help the police make their community safe.

Call the police 119 emergency number, Crime Stop at 311, or contact the nearest police station to make a report.