The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

The latest serious crime statistics released by the police reveal an 18 per cent increase in armed robberies.

I am told that most of that number are pedestrians, which must be of serious concern to all of us. We must be more alert, observant and inquisitive during our movement during the day or night.

Suspicious persons and/or activities, even though it does not affect us personally must be reported, eg those persons standing in dark areas wearing the jacket with the hood on a warm day or night merits a call to the police, giving the description and location.

Crimes against the person, which are the violent crimes are receiving the undivided attention of the police. The detection rate is good (best in the region), but could be better if we would practice the crime prevention education frequently broadcast for our attention and install crime prevention technology, that is available to us.

There is also the need

for more persons and communities to get involved in neighbour watch, street watch and block watch programmes in their communities.

If we can act to reduce the crimes against property the police would have more time available to deal with the crimes of violence and the record of prevention and detection could be lifted.

There were 1973 thefts from vehicles so far this year. People are still leaving laptops, cell-phones, handbags and other items on display in their vehicles.

For decades, the police have been warning us about this and advising us to place such items in the trunks of our vehicles. It is safer to do so. The damage done to our vehicles by opportunists thieves is frequently more costly to repair, than the items stolen.

During the yuletide season, there will be many victims of this crime.

A major problem in New Providence is stolen vehicles. In 2011, the number stolen was 1147. So far in 2012, 1119 vehicles have been stolen. It is known, that vehicles are stolen to commit crimes, in which case the vehicles are very often found. There are also vehicles stolen for joy riding, in which case the vehicles may be found damaged or abandoned. It is my opinion, that most vehicle thefts are to acquire parts.

The major concern must be about those vehicles, that are repainted and/or upholstered (the thieves refer to it as cloning) and subsequently sold to unsuspecting buyers in New Providence and the Family Islands.

It was reported some time ago, that at least a dozen stolen vehicles ware recovered in Andros and there were recoveries in Abaco.

It is also suspected, that stolen vehicles may be on the used car lots for sale.

In the old days, there was regular liaison between the police and mailboat captains and we were able to check vehicles at the docks before they were loaded to the Family Islands.

The present situation calls for more extensive inspection of vehicles at the Road Traffic Department inspection sites.

The VIN, engine and chassis numbers must be checked.

Customs and the police must conduct inspections of all used car lots to ensure that vehicles on the lots are properly accounted for, with import papers or genuine bill of sale.

The results could be resounding.

Finally, Insurance Companies could offer rebates to customers, who would install adequate preventative technology in their vehicles.

Too few stolen vehicles are being recovered. I am told that it is less than 50 per cent.

PAUL THOMPSON Sr

Nassau,

December 13, 2012.