By LEDEDRA MARCHE

News Editor

lededra@nasguard.com

In a move to head-off a potentially vexing situation in the newest subdivision on the island, members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Eastern Division went door-to-door Tuesday afternoon to offer to residents advice and information on how to safeguard their homes against a break-in.

Officer in charge of the division, Superintendent David Deveaux said one housebreaking is one too many and, after receiving complaints from the Wellington Pinder Heights area, the next step was to reach out to the residents.

"We decided to come here this afternoon to distribute flyers that may assist residents as to how to keep their residents safe," he said.

"We want to advise residents that there are some things that they should do."

In particular, Supt. Deveaux stressed securing ones valuables in the home before leaving as there are individuals who target certain communities as they are aware that a majority of the homeowners are at work.

Deveaux is also advising residents not to leave valuables or anything that may look like it may possess worth in the seats of their vehicles.

"We have had jewelry stolen, and of course there is a market for that and we want to sensitize residents as to what they should do," he said.

"Whenever they park their vehicles, even at their residences, we want to inform them that when valuables are left in the seats it is an opportunity for persons who are passing to see what is in the car and an opportunity for them to break in."

While there is still a pressing concern over the number of housebreakings throughout the island, Deveaux said there are those who will take advantage and seize an opportunity to commit a criminal act.

"We want to pursue those individuals and apprehend them," he said. "Of course we want to work with the residents and ensure that they do what they are supposed to do and the police would do what we should do."

In fact, Supt. Deveaux revealed that they had only hours earlier taken in three individuals suspected of perpetrating a number of housebreakings in the Lucaya area.

Phase one of the new subdivision was opened back in early December 2011 and is comprised of 60 houses.

The new subdivision in Hawksbill was named in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Wellington Pinder for his outstanding contributions to the community of Grand Bahama.

Following Tuesday's walkabout, officers from the Lucaya Division have their eyes set on the Bahamia subdivision as there have been reports of a similar trend of break-ins in that area.

In the meantime, Supt. Deveaux is again echoing the call to residents to be their neighbor's keepers.

"Be alert," he said. "Be aware of what goes on around you and call the police if you notice any strange persons lurking or walking around in the community, call 919 and let us know and we will definitely jump on it and do what we can."