The RCIPS launched its annual ‘Winter Guardian’ holiday safety operation on Friday, 8 Dec., which entails increased road checkpoints, crackdowns on traffic offences, more foot patrols and a high-visibility presence of officers across Cayman.
Chief Superintendent Brad Ebanks said, “The festive season is also our peak visitor season, which combined with an increase in events and holiday gatherings, results in increased activity on our roads, in businesses and anywhere people gather to socialize, and so our holiday safety campaign is about providing reassurance, and deterring crime.”
He added, “We conduct these activities throughout the year, but during this time period a more strategic approach is required.”
In a statement issued by the RCIPS this week, he said the public can expect to see increased foot patrols around commercial shopping areas and in residential communities, which will be supported by “ongoing efforts to target and reduce criminal activity, by continuing high visibility patrols carried out by our specialist units, including the Firearms Response Unit”.
He urged the public to adhere to police warnings and advice during the campaign, which he was important to “keep the pressure on offenders with a view to stifle criminal activity”.
Traffic checkpoints and speed traps
Throughout the Winter Guardian campaign, which will continue into the new year, the RCIPS said its Traffic and Roads Policing Unit would be deploying increased speeding enforcements and traffic checkpoints at targeted locations, day and night.
Noting that so far this year, there has been nine road fatalities in Cayman, police said speeding, driving under the influence and distracted driving continue to be the main causes behind collisions.
“Cracking down on these poor driving behaviours is vital at this time of year if we want to be our most effective at keeping the community safe,” police said, adding that targeting drunk driving remains a focus, particularly with the significant number of end-of-year parties and events over the coming weeks.
“We are reminding everyone to make plans for getting home, before you head out,” said Head of Traffic and Roads Policing Unit, Andre Tahal. “Getting behind the wheel when you have been drinking not only puts yourself at risk, but also your passengers and any other road users you encounter on your journey. Not only is this dangerous, but also selfish driving behavior. It is not worth the risk.”
The RCIPS said it again would be supporting Compass Media and the National Drug Council in the annual Arrive Alive 345 campaign, which includes the Designated Driver Programme, an initiative among local restaurants to offer complimentary soft drinks to designated drivers.
The Purple Ribbon Bus service will be providing a free bus service on New Year’s Eve from 9pm to 4am for all districts on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Warning on financial crime
The RCIPS, in its statement, also reminded the public to be especially cautious of financial crime, which tends to increase over the holiday season – particularly the threats of credit card fraud, business email compromise and social media scams.
It said individuals and businesses should pay close attention to debit and credit card transactions and frequently check activities for any inaccuracies.
People should also be alert to any emails or messages received from businesses asking for their password or bank account details, police said.
“Never provide these details, and if you are unsure of the legitimacy of any communications received, check directly with the business concerned,” the RCIPS advised.
Police also noted that social media scams are becoming more common, and the holiday season brings an increase in this type of activity. Individuals may be approached via platforms such as Facebook, where an ‘investment opportunity’ is offered, under the guise of building a trusted friendship with the victim.
Criminals targeting parked vehicles
The RCIPS also encouraged members of the public to be vigilant during the festive season, by ensuring that, if they are out shopping, they place shopping bags and valuable items out of public view when stored in a vehicle. “If possible, place them in the trunk or, at the very least, cover them,” police said.
They also advised that any decorations installed at home or at a business place do not obstruct security cameras and to be conscious of placing gifts under a tree that is visible to passersby.
“Businesses are also encouraged to hire additional security during the festive season if possible, and ensure that CCTV cameras are in good working order,” police said.
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