Security and crime watch important for city shoppers, homes
Jan 12, 2005
JUSTINE M has been a regular businesswoman, often travelling from Rukungiri to Kampala for shopping.
JUSTINE M has been a regular businesswoman, often travelling from Rukungiri to Kampala for shopping. But recently, she lost all her goods in Kampala to a city thief. After buying goods, Justine asked a man to carry her luggage to the bus park. The man urged her to lead him. But seconds later, she couldn’t trace him. He had disappeared with all her luggage.
“Carriers,†as the thieving men are called, often fleece traders of their merchandise. Many up-country shoppers cry foul after realising they have been robbed.
The police advise people in the city to keep a close watch on the men they hire to carry their goods.
“Don’t hire strangers to carry your goods. Always ask people in the shops where you buy the goods to get someone to help you. They will get you a faithful person or will be able to trace him in case he disappears with your things,†a police officer at CPS who handles such cases, advised.
DR Congo men and women, who usually move in groups, have been cited in the business of raiding shops. Speaking broken English, Swahili, Lingala or Luganda, they order for several items to be brought to the counter. All asking questions almost at the same time, they take advantage of the confusion to steal shop merchandise.
Other thieves have come up with new tricks. They follow potential shoppers from shop- to-shop. They know that in the process, the shopper will put their goods down as they buy more things. When the customer puts down the luggage, the thief quietly picks it up and disappears.
Pick-pocketing and street thefts are also rampant in most urban centres. Visitors are advised to be on the alert.
While addressing the press at the Police headquarters in Kibuli recently, deputy Inspector General of Police, Julius Odwe, urged the public to improve their home security. It is also important not to announce your absence from home to unnecessary persons.
Have someone, a trusted neighbour to keep watch or a presence at home while you are away.
When you are at home, do not take any noise outside for granted. If attacked by burglars, call the police immediately.
Accidents are also bad. You must have heard of fatal accidents on Jinja and Masaka roads. Drivers, especially those who carry passengers and goods, should desist from overloading as well as speeding.
Although police checks have been stepped up, you still have to police yourself. Passengers don’t have to live at the mercy of their drivers. They have a duty to stop the driverfrom speeding.
You should also be particular of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle you are using, especially its tyres, licence and insurance expiry date. Is the vehicle fitted with seat-belts?
If you are driving your family up-country, drive slowly and carefully.
You do not have to fall a victim of either crime or road accident. While travelling, be on the alert in order to reach your destination safely.
“Carriers,†as the thieving men are called, often fleece traders of their merchandise. Many up-country shoppers cry foul after realising they have been robbed.
The police advise people in the city to keep a close watch on the men they hire to carry their goods.
“Don’t hire strangers to carry your goods. Always ask people in the shops where you buy the goods to get someone to help you. They will get you a faithful person or will be able to trace him in case he disappears with your things,†a police officer at CPS who handles such cases, advised.
DR Congo men and women, who usually move in groups, have been cited in the business of raiding shops. Speaking broken English, Swahili, Lingala or Luganda, they order for several items to be brought to the counter. All asking questions almost at the same time, they take advantage of the confusion to steal shop merchandise.
Other thieves have come up with new tricks. They follow potential shoppers from shop- to-shop. They know that in the process, the shopper will put their goods down as they buy more things. When the customer puts down the luggage, the thief quietly picks it up and disappears.
Pick-pocketing and street thefts are also rampant in most urban centres. Visitors are advised to be on the alert.
While addressing the press at the Police headquarters in Kibuli recently, deputy Inspector General of Police, Julius Odwe, urged the public to improve their home security. It is also important not to announce your absence from home to unnecessary persons.
Have someone, a trusted neighbour to keep watch or a presence at home while you are away.
When you are at home, do not take any noise outside for granted. If attacked by burglars, call the police immediately.
Accidents are also bad. You must have heard of fatal accidents on Jinja and Masaka roads. Drivers, especially those who carry passengers and goods, should desist from overloading as well as speeding.
Although police checks have been stepped up, you still have to police yourself. Passengers don’t have to live at the mercy of their drivers. They have a duty to stop the driverfrom speeding.
You should also be particular of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle you are using, especially its tyres, licence and insurance expiry date. Is the vehicle fitted with seat-belts?
If you are driving your family up-country, drive slowly and carefully.
You do not have to fall a victim of either crime or road accident. While travelling, be on the alert in order to reach your destination safely.