THE police urged the public to be vigilant during the upcoming festive Hari Raya by emphasising the safety of oneself, family and property to prevent a break-in at their house, to be alert against pickpockets and snatch thieves while shopping and to be cautious while at the wheel.

Acting Head of Police Public Relations, Ag DSP Nur Haidah bte Hj Abd Halim, reminded houseowners to install safety and locking equipment, to light up their house to deter would-be burglars, not to leave notes indicating that no one is at home and to inform neighbours to look after their house while they are away
Houseowners should also lock their house properly, especially windows and doors, when they are away, clean their compound of bushes which could become a hideout for thieves, not to put the house key underneath the carpet, flower pot or meter box when going out, to keep cash in the bank or jewellery inside a safe box and to report to the nearest police station if they are away on holiday so that the police will patrol their area.

To prevent car break-in and theft, the police urged motorists to lock their vehicles properly and to install safety equipment inside the car such as clutch, steering and gear lock, not to leave the car attended with the engine running even for a short period, not to leave valuables inside the car, not to park the vehicles in secluded or poorly-lit areas and not to leave the cars attended with a car washer or car jockey.

Meanwhile, shoppers were urged to bring only adequate amounts of cash when shopping, not to “flash” their cash, to secure handbag properly, not to put handbag on a counter or in a trolley, to avoid walking alone in secluded places or inside a lift, not to expose jewellery and to be wary when in crowded places such as shopping centres.

As for motorists, they were urged to ensure that their vehicles are safe for driving, to obey traffic rules, to be patient and considerate when at the wheel, not to drive when tired or sleepy, not to use handphone while driving and to fasten their seat belts at all time.

The police are striving to reduce “unwanted” crimes or accidents by conducting patrols, roadblocks and joint operations. Public assistance is needed for the efforts to be fruitful.

Some crimes and road accidents are due to negligence and can be avoided if the public take precautionary measures.

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