The Tribune

Something may be wrong in your neighbourhood. There’s too much violence, or there’s an ever-present threat. Perhaps a child or adult you know was robbed. Maybe you’ve seen signs of drug dealing.

Maybe a string of break-ins has you wondering what’s coming next. You’re uneasy — even frightened — for yourself and your family.

Perhaps nothing violent has happened, but you see warning signs — such as graffiti, vandalism, abandoned cars, loitering, litter — that crime and violence may be reaching your neighbourhood soon.

By observing all of this individuals can now begin the challenge of reducing the opportunities of crime being committed against them, their loved ones, friend, property and their environment.

Therefore, listed below are a few safety tips provided by the Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime Prevention Office, that can assist in safeguarding both you and your neighbourhood.

A safe home

• Check locks on all doors: Are they working? Are they heavy-duty locks recommended by your local community police officer?

• External doors: Are they sturdy? How do they swing from the building? Are they hollow-core doors? External doors should always swing away from the building.

• Sliding doors: Are they working properly? Can the glass be easily shattered so as to allow the locks to be opened from the outside?

• Windows: Are they opened at nights or when the family is away from the home? Are the operators working properly?

• Burglar alarms: When were they last tested? Security cameras: Are they producing clear images of persons or is there a blur on the screen?

• Do your children know how to get rid of unwanted callers who may be attempting to ascertain information, to determine if they are home alone?

On the outside

• Cut down overgrown properties and contact The Department Of Environmental Health to remove derelict vehicles.

• Have abandoned buildings either torn down or battened down.

• Be sure to report unknown vehicles that are parked in the neighbourhood. They may be stolen.

• Inform your local community police officers of all shortcuts and track roads in your area.

• Beware of persons claiming that their vehicle has broken down and that they want to use your telephone. This is a NO! NO!

• Tell them you will call the police to assist them. This should get them leaving the area in a hurry.

• Be on the lookout for persons posing as repairmen, freelance workers and utility workers.

• Regardless of being referred to as a nosey person, pay close attention to your neighbours’ visitors.

• Check the outside of your home every day or as much as possible.

In your vehicle

• While driving, occasionally check your review mirror for persons that may be following you.

• If you are being followed drive to the nearest police station.

• If being followed, do everything possible to bring attention to yourself .

• If bumped from the rear and you are not certain of the person’s intention, do not stop. Where possible, increase your speed and try to get the vehicle’s registration number, colour, make and anything that stands out.

• When approaching home or work, do not stop if you are being followed. Have a signal with those in the house.

• Alert a family member or significant other to your intended route.

• Do not pick up hitch hikers, even if they appear to be old ladies or children in distress.

• Once at home, do not return to the vehicle. Items that are not perishable must be left in the trunk.

Please! Help us help you. Remember that safety is everyone’s concern.

Should you need more information on Neighbourhood Safety or if you have information pertaining to any crime, please do not hesitate to contact the police at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Island) or if you know of individuals who may be in need of counselling and emotional support please contact the Department of Social Services hotline number at 322-2763.