The Tribune

The founder of a private security firm yesterday urged Bahamians to exercise extreme caution in the coming weeks amid forecasts of a spike in crime due to coronavirus-related unemployment.

Elston Bain, a 16-year veteran of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and now chief executive of Tactical Private Investigators, sounded the alarm over expectations of massive job losses, reduced work hours, the closure of shops and attractions, event cancellations and even a temporary halt to outdoor dining at venues such as the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay.

"We have all been dwelling on messages of caution relative to staying healthy," said Mr Bain. "While we are focusing on avoiding becoming infected by the fast-spreading coronavirus, we need to spread the message to exercise caution against what will inevitably be an increase in personal and property crime as a result of a sudden spike in unemployment."

With governments across the world warning against non-essential travel, cruise ships that last year delivered 5.4m passengers to The Bahamas are now parked. Hotel booking cancellations are rapidly increasing, with Bahamian businesses now assessing whether to lay-off staff, reduce work hours or asking those with accrued vacation time to take it during this period.

The sudden impact on was evident throughout Nassau on Tuesday. A normally bustling Bay Street was empty. Rolled-down shutters signalled business closures. Parking lots that are usually full of vehicles and sidewalks with crowds were bare.

"Many who will feel the impact first already struggle to make ends meet," said Mr Bain. "They live pay cheque to pay cheque, and in hard times like these - which hit especially hard because there was no warning, and they still have families to feed - they may act in desperation. That can lead to a wide range of criminal activity."

Urging extra vigilance, he added: "Even if you own expensive jewellery do not wear it at this time; store it safely away. Do not wear anything flashy. If you have a safe at home, make sure it is well concealed and bolted to a wall or floor."

Noting that most security stores sell small home safes, he said: "If you arrive home and anything feels out of place, trust your instinct. Absolutely do not proceed inside and risk confronting someone. Go to the nearest police station and ask an officer to escort you home. Same thing if you think you are being followed.

"If you walk or jog for exercise, you have more hours of daylight in the early evening to do so. Please do not jog in the dark; you are only making yourself more of a target. And whenever possible, run or jog or cycle in a group. Be as vigilant and careful with your attention to your surroundings as you now are with washing your hands. This, too, shall pass and we just want to get you through it as safely as possible."