By ANGELO ARMBRISTER

Freeport News Reporter

Police in Grand Bahama have mounted an aggressive safety campaign to encourage residents to become aware of their surroundings during the holiday season.

Police Superintendent Clar-ence Russell told The Freeport News yesterday that this is the time of year when crime seems to be at an all-time high.

As a result, officers of the Central Division, headed by Acting Inspector Kenry Stubbs and Reserve Assistant Superintendent Kevin John-son, took to the streets of Grand Bahama with their message of safety.

Six of the newest members of the Police Force, graduates from the 'E' Squad, on Tuesday also participated in the walkabout of the downtown area to get their "feet wet," while assuring business owners in the area that the police will maintain a strong presence in the community.

"We were very pleased to have them on board to wet their feet by going into the community and spreading the word that the police are in partnership with the community to keep our surroundings safe," Russell said.

Officers have distributed safety flyers at the International Bazaar, Regent Centre area and the Mall Drive, arming merchants and residents alike with crime tips to avoid becoming victims this Yule Tide season.

Russell said the flyers will assist in ensuring that persons throughout the community are able to celebrate the festive season in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

He noted that officers stationed at every division in Grand Bahama are instructed by the Assistant Commissioner to get onboard the ongoing initiative and go into their respective communities sharing these tips.

Assistant Press Liaison Officer Inspector Loretta Mackey said officers have already visited some business places and warned employees and managers to keep alert and to implement safety measures wherever possible.

Inspector Mackey said that (From Page 2)

local business owners are encouraged to establish a better communication line with authorities, especially as the days dwindle down to Christmas.

"Since it is the holidays and owners are more prone to getting robbed, we ask that businesses contact us for assistance when they are delivering their deposits," Mackey said. "We also ask them to take different routes when they are going home at night. We will provide telephone numbers for this information in the future."

Mackey also advised owners to keep their area well lit and to open and close their stores with someone at their side.

"Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and good cheer, but when one's privacy is invaded, the Christmas season is ruined. Taking that extra step to be safe is worth it in the long run" she said.

Police in Grand Bahama have warned residents to take precautions in securing their homes, their businesses and themselves. But police can only do so much in their warnings; it still comes down to individuals taking their own initiative to secure their property.

Homeowners are more susceptible to robberies because robbers are of the opinion that there are more available items than usual within households during the Christmas season — tems like Christmas presents and even cash.

Therefore, homeowners must take extra measures to secure their homes. Security lights must be used more than ever before, especially with the time change which brings darkness more quickly. Doors and windows should always be checked upon leaving the house for an outing, or before retiring to bed at night.

Residents should also take steps to trim or cut down large trees which block the view from the road to their homes. If not, try to get home before dark, or have others with you, especially when taking bags from the car when arriving home.

POLICE WALKABOUT — Acting Inspector Kenry Stubbs of Central Division along with some of the new graduates of 'E' Squad conducted a walkabout in the downtown area on Tuesday to assure business owners in the area that the police will maintain a strong presence in the community, especially during the holidays. Inspector Stubbs is seen here talking with Tameka Woods, manager of Churchill Square Liquor store. (Photo by JENNEVA RUSSELL)