The Tribune

A private security company's chief executive is urging residents to increase their vigilance and minimise risk following a recent surge in break-ins impacting gated communities across Nassau.

Elston Bain, a 16-year Royal Bahamas Police Force veteran, called on inhabitants of these communities to be aware of their surroundings following a series of thefts that have been reported in recent weeks.

"Living in a gated community definitely adds a sense of security and comfort, particularly for families with young children who feel their young ones are safer playing outside, but those security gates are no guarantee against the criminal or criminals determined to do harm," said Mr Bain.

"It is a sad state of affairs, but when you combine certain factors including a breakdown in the social fabric and high youth unemployment, property crimes increase. As the fear of crime escalates, security gates at entry points of a community, and security cameras that capture activity around a residence, become less of a luxury and more of a standard expectation.

"They are all integral to a sense of security, yet the single best weapon in anyone's arsenal of personal protection is still utilisation of your senses, including common sense. First, always be aware of your surroundings, almost as if you had to take notes on it. Be alert and watch activity around you. Heed the advice of law enforcement. It may sound boring and old, but no tool has ever compared to your own two eyes."

Mr Bain, who worked in cyber and white collar crime for a large property after leaving the police force in 2012, said there are several practical tips that cannot be overlooked.

"Even entering your car, wait until you are nearly ready to hop into the driver's seat before clicking the key to open the door. It only takes a second for someone with the wrong intention to hear the sound, see the flash of headlight and slide into the back seat while you are still approaching the vehicle," he said.

He added that when driving through an electronic gate, pull forward and watch the gate close before proceeding to your residence. It is easy for a second car to follow on the sensor footprint you created. Most gates close in 20 seconds.

Mr Bain, who is trained in weapons, fraud investigations, covert surveillance and risk assessments, opened Tactical Private Investigators to provide a range of services including personal security. He saw that as a growing need with most security firms focusing on staffing guard stations or after-hours property protection.

"Nothing would give those of us in law enforcement, on the force (RBPF) or off, more pleasure than a world without criminal activity," said Mr Bain. "Unfortunately, that is not the case, and everyone has a responsibility to observe, or to participate in, a neighbourhood watch group even on Whats App, and to call CrimeStoppers, 919 or your local police station when you see something suspicious. If everyone heeds the adage, 'See something, say something' we will all be part of the solution and reduce the fear of crime in The Bahamas."