Holiday handbook with crimesmarts for holiday makers

Dec 04, 2018

To dawn with, I welcome you all from school. Holiday is such an exciting opportunity to re-unite with family, do some legit work which could earn you some dimes (for S4 and S6 leavers) and make a few meaningful friends.

SECURITY|HOLIDAY

By D/ASP MUDOPE BENJAMIN, District CID Butalejja


It is that time of the year when school pupils and students are in holidays. University students are about to be in Holidays too.

To dawn with, I welcome you all from school. Holiday is such an exciting opportunity to re-unite with family, do some legit work which could earn you some dimes (for S4 and S6 leavers) and make a few meaningful friends.

Well, coming back home means mixing with a community which may have criminals littered in isolated places in the vicinity of your home.

We have prepared you a few crime prevention tips so you may be crime- smart through your holiday and make it meaningful.

You may be the target, but you don't have to be the victim. Be crime smart!

Never invite strangers into the house or even answer the door when home alone

Never approach or enter a strangers' car

A police officer is a friend who can be relied upon when you need help

Never play alone- always be with friends

Wherever you're, on the street, waiting for a taxi or boda boda, in an office, shopping mall, driving, etc., ALWAYS, stay alert and tuned to your surroundings. Send the message that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going.

Trust your instincts. If someone makes you uneasy, avoid them or leave

Know your neighborhood security-wise. Look out for locations of police in your area , public      hospital, restaurants that open late, just in case

On foot, Stick to well-traveled streets. Avoid short cuts through parking lots or corridors

If a driver stops to ask for direction, avoid getting too close to the vehicle. Kidnap for ransom or sacrifice is real.

Always carry your hand bag close to your body, not dangling by the straps

Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants not the back pocket

Try to use ATMs during day time. If you're uneasy about people near the ATM, don't approach. Have options

Don't wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements: Running to safety may be an option at times

Always remember this:-

Never accept gifts from strangers. There are no free things in this 21st century

Strange but true:  Adults rarely ask a child for help. If an adult asks for help, think thrice before you act

No one has the right to touch any part of your body that a bathing suit would cover

If being followed by a suspicious character, run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help

Report to your parents or police, anyone who acts suspiciously to you

Never enter anyone else's home without permission or knowledge from your parents.

Never  play in deserted buildings or isolated places

Always carry some money to make an emergence phone call; just in case

And finally, we are a dot-com generation but while on your smart phone or internet, Make sure:-

You slow down: spammers want you to act first and think later. If a message creates a sense of urgency; BE CAREFUL. Online, many people want to fleece you by sweet talking you to avail your naked photos for cheap promises which they never pay anyway. Remember, your photos may go viral anytime; or they could lure you into giving them passwords unaware.

Delete any request for financial information or passwords

Reject requests for help. Legitimate companies rarely ask for your help.

Foreign offers are "fake". You have won 5,000 US dollars. RELAX, if you receive e-mail from foreign lottery; it is likely to be scam. SO BE ON WATCH

Happy Holidays!

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