Make yourself unpredictable this Christmas - Security experts counsel

Security experts are warning Ghanaians against putting themselves in position that could easily expose their vulnerability to criminals.

As Christians mark the birth of Jesus Christ, many people are likely to be caught off guard in the midst of the celebration, security analyst Irbard Ibrahim has said that is the time these criminals strike.

Irbard Ibrahim was speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show Wednesday on how citizens can protect themselves during the yuletide.

Be careful how you update your status on social media networks in order not to give enough information to criminals, Mr. Ibrahim warned.

“Make yourself unpredictable,” during the festive season, he advised.

Persons living in isolated places were also advised to relocate temporarily  so that they do not become easy targets for criminals.

Whilst the public was admonished to keep the numbers of police and other security agencies at hand, he called on the security institutions to be “quicker and expeditious” in their response to stifle the effort of criminals.

Crime is expected to increase, Irbard Ibrahim noted, but the responsibility to ensure that the citizenry are protected should not lie on law enforcement alone, all must assist them to combat crime.

ASP Benefo Darkwa
Public Relations Officer at the Police CID, ASPJoseph Benefo Darkwa who was also on the show asked the public to be cautious and avoid taking risks.

He said police patrol on the streets and communities would be increased during the Christmas season. Police personnel who are in offices have been asked to go out to ensure law and order, he said.

 ASP Benefo Darkwa also asked the public to call the police patrol team for help when they find themselves in scary places.

“They must make use of us, we are there to provide service, protect you from criminals, assist you, to allay your fears,” he said.

Unregistered motorbikes which are often used to commit crimes would not be allowed on the road during the festive season, he assured.

Also persons who withdraw money from ATM and carelessly dump their receipt anywhere have been advised to desist from the practice. He said information on ATM receipt can give a clue to criminals to clone people's ATM cards. One should also avoid accepting assistance from people when withdrawing money from the bank, he said.

Prof. Ken Attafuah
Prof. Ken Attafuah, who is the Head of Law Faculty at the Central University College, underscored that rogues and miscreants usually target weak and vulnerable people.

He advised people to exude confidence when in public and should not let their guard down.

He reiterated most of the points enumerated by the previous speakers, adding that people should turn their outside lights on and inside lights off so that they can see criminals approaching.

People should avoid going out alone in the night, and must stay in the company of good people, he advised.

Listen to the security advice on Joy FM in the audio below

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com| Isaac Essel | [email protected] | twitter @isaacessel