The Tribune

By Denise Maycock

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force has increased its presence on the streets and in major shopping areas on Grand Bahama during this festive season when criminals tend to target unsuspecting shoppers and merchants.

A team of officers conducted walkabouts in the downtown Freeport area, The Seahorse Shopping Plaza, and at Port Lucaya Marketplace on Thursday to ensure the safety of shoppers and deter criminal activity. 

Assistant Commissioner of Police Clarence Reckley told The Tribune: “We want to reassure merchants and shoppers that the police is here and that they can feel safe while doing their Christmas shopping.”

He said individuals are watching and targeting shoppers as they leave the stores with their purchases. 

ACP Reckley said increased police visibility would continue throughout this yuletide season. However, police are encouraging persons and merchants to take necessary precautions.  

He encouraged persons not to leave goods or valuables exposed in their vehicles.

“We recommend that persons put their goods in the back trunk, and their valuables in the glove compartment or under the seat,” he said.

Leaving items on the seat of a car is not a good idea, he said.

“We call incidents such stealing from a vehicle a crime of opportunity because persons passing see valuables inside and they take a chance and break into the vehicle, and we want to discourage that,” ACP Reckley said. 

The senior police official said merchants should close their stores on time and make sure there is proper and adequate lighting inside and outside of their establishment. 

He also encouraged store owners to change the hours that they do their banking.  

“We recommend not going to the bank the same time every day, and if they feel uncomfortable to call the police for an escort,” he said.

He stressed that merchants should be vigilant of their surroundings and suspicious persons lurking around the store, especially at closing time.

“If you see anyone or anything that looks suspicious pick up the phone and call the police and we will check it out,” ACP Reckley said.