In Antigua, we have been caught in a wave of crime, much of it perpetuated by youth that have left us angry, wary, suspicious and terrified. Joggers have stopped jogging, walkers are now exercising in gyms or indoors, shop owners are pondering their options and the general population is calling for more police intervention, stiffer penalties for persons committing crime and yearning for a safe society.
Here are some tips to increase our safety and lessen our vulnerability.
Stay informed – Listen to ABS, Observer Radio, ZDK and all the other stations to hear updates from the police or other persons sharing relevant information as it relates to crime, trends or safety updates.
Be vigilant – pay attention to your surroundings and try not to be excessively flash to avoid drawing attention to yourself. Minimise the use of earphones so you can be alert to what is going on around you. Trust your instincts and if anything feels off, remove yourself from the area.
Move in groups – If you are exercising, hiking or going out, the more persons in the group the better. Criminals are more likely to target someone alone, than a group of persons.
Secure your belongings – Keep your personal belongings secure. Don’t take out large wads of cash and keep certain valuables put away. Wear your bag in a way that makes it difficult to be grabbed.
Use mostly busy and brightly lit areas – Be mindful of using alleys, isolated areas and places with no street lights. This is especially relevant if you are walking.
Report anything inappropriate that you see. Most of the crimes that are solved in Antigua are because citizens cooperated with the police by reporting suspicious activity and being very alert to what was happening in their neighbourhood.
Use reliable transportation – Cars breaking down in unsafe areas can be a target for robbers who takes advantage of the vulnerability of the occupants.
Secure your home and business. Ensure that you use proper locks, have cameras and alarm systems. If you can afford a security guard, that would be even better.
Above all, don’t take chances. Avoid confrontations with persons and walk away from persons who seem dangerous, intoxicated or generally seem to have little respect from others. It’s not about pride, it’s about staying alive. If anyone actually tries to rob you, consider handing over what they are asking for as a means of saving your life.
We cannot stay home, locked inside. We have to work, shop and live. We have to take our children to school and we should not be held at ransom and forced to live as though we were in the wild, wild west, a lawless society. Let us do our best to stay safe and help others to be safe also. We are all in this together.
Send your questions and comments to [email protected].