Festive Season Crime Prevention Advisory: SPF

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http://www.spf.gov.sg/mic/2012/121216_festive_season_crime_advisory_others.htm

The Christmas shopping season is currently in full swing, with the New Year celebrations just round the corner. As with previous years, large crowds are expected at major shopping centres. Police would like to advise all shoppers and revellers to remain vigilant against crime during this period.

Crime Prevention Advisory Against Theft and Pickpocketing

Don't let thieves and pickpockets steal your festive joy. They are known to steal exposed items such as handphones and wallets from bags and unzipping or slitting the bags of unsuspecting victims.

At times, they may have accomplices who would help to distract or block the view of the victim to facilitate the theft. Some culprits deliberately bump or jostle into an unsuspecting victim in a crowd and commit theft in the process.

Members of the public are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures to safeguard their belongings:

• Avoid exposing cash, valuables, or jewellery in public areas as this might draw unnecessary attention;
• Avoid placing your wallet in your back pocket. Ensure that your bag is properly secured at all times. Cross-sling it in front or clasp it firmly while shopping or walking;
• Never leave your valuables unattended on trolleys or strollers while shopping. Unattended valuables pose easy targets to would-be culprits;
• While having meals, never use valuables such as handphones to reserve seats. Arrange for someone to look after your valuables while ordering food;
• Do not be distracted by strangers creating a commotion, bumping into you or accidentally spilling something onto you. Check your valuables immediately if this happens; &
• Do not adorn your children with excessive gold jewellery as they are easy targets for potential criminals.

Crime Prevention Advisory Against Shop Theft

Police would also like to remind retail outlets to be extra vigilant against shop thieves during the festive season, especially when large crowds throng the shopping malls for gifts and bargains.

Shop theft is a crime and those who commit such offences can expect to face the consequences of flouting the law. Police have also been working with the managements of retail chains to implement anti-shop theft measures at their outlets and hope that all retailers take greater responsibility and ownership of the issue.

Retailers are encouraged to implement the following measures to reduce their shop theft figures:

• Display posters or signage to deter shop theft;
• Ensure a good line of sight for the displays by using an appropriate shop layout;
• Keep expensive merchandise in locked display cabinets;
• Install CCTVs with recording system; &
• Deploy adequate security personnel to patrol the premises in luminous vests for increased visual deterrence effect.

Crime Prevention Advisory Against Outrage Of Modesty

With the expected congregation of large crowds at shopping malls and various public locations during this period, members of the public, especially females, are advised to stay vigilant against those who may take the opportunity to commit outrage of modesty.

The following are some precautions that females can take to minimise the risks of becoming a victim:

• Be wary of strangers who approach you in crowded areas;
• Stay close to your friends or move around in groups when in crowded places;
• Be aware and alert of your surroundings. If someone stands exceptionally close to you, or if you suspect that you are being followed, remain calm and proceed to a crowded area or call the Police for assistance;
• Avoid taking short-cuts through dark and deserted places. Keep to well-lit areas where there are more people and traffic;
• Do not enter the lift with a stranger. Let the stranger take the lift and wait for the next one;
• Where possible, do not nap whilst travelling on public transport;
• When coming home late at night, get someone to escort you home; &
• If you are molested, immediately shout for help or activate your shrill alarm. Call ‘999’ quickly.

Crime Prevention Advisory on Securing Your Homes Against Housebreaking

During this period of festive gatherings and partying, Police also wish to remind home owners to adopt the following crime prevention measure to prevent break-ins into their homes:

• Make sure that your main doors and windows are properly secured with strong grilles and good quality locks;
• Do not leave large amounts of cash in your home. All cash, jewelleries and valuable items should be kept in a bank or in a good quality safe that is anchored to the wall/floor to prevent the safe from being carted away; &
• Consider installing a burglar alarm system;

If you are going on a vacation, you should consider:

• Entrusting family members or neighbours to conduct regular visits to your home while you are away;
• Making arrangements to suspend your newspaper subscriptions as uncollected newspapers are tell-tale signs that a house is not occupied; &
• Informing your Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) of your absence.

Police Advisory On The Use Of Sparklers

In the midst of the festive mood, Police would like to remind the public that while the importation and sale of some types of sparklers are legal in Singapore , the use of sparklers should be done in a responsible manner according to the safety guidelines prescribed by the manufacturer.

Police take a serious view of persons setting off improvised explosive devices constructed using sparklers. Such improvised explosive devices (including sparklers bundled together) are potential fire hazards, can cause noise pollution and undue alarm to the public. The blast effect from the explosion can also cause injury to persons and damage to property. Anyone caught setting off improvised explosive devices may be prosecuted in Court.