Whinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter
Police in Bulawayo have embarked on crime awareness campaigns targeting bars and shopping centres.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Province police spokesperson, Inspector Precious Simango on Wednesday last week said police have targeted bars and shopping centres because that is where residents are usually found during the day.
“All districts in Bulawayo Province are busy on the ground conscientising the public on ways of avoiding being victims and targets of crime.
“We realised that most people, especially men, aren’t in their homes during the day nor evenings and we thought of bringing the message to them, wherever they are,” she said.
“We hope we’ll succeed in strengthening our relationship with the public, which has led us to forge a formidable unit against crime, during the campaigns. We’re conscientising and teaching the public on safety measures to curb crime,” she said.
Bulawayo Suburban District held one of their campaigns at Fourwinds Business centre and bars.
Speaking through a hailer, a police officer addressed a huge crowd in a highly interactive question and answer segment. The police would ask questions about crime prevention and the crowd would vote for the person who gave the best answer.
The person would be awarded a token prize. The police said it was important for communities to form neighbourhood watch committees as they would be the first to identify strangers or odd activity that leads to crime in their areas.
They taught residents “target hardening” techniques that make it difficult for thieves to steal.
“Having burglar bars, alarms, CCTVs, dogs and avoiding keeping large amounts of money at home or on business premises make it hard for thieves to strike,” he said.. “Don’t leave girls alone with males or accept drinks from strangers. Avoid secluded paths to prevent rape. Lock all car windows and doors, install anti-hijack systems and alarms, steering and gear locks to avoid theft of and from motor vehicles.”
Insp Simango said the campaigns were proving popular as police were drawing huge crowds, especially at big bars.
She said residents were mostly drawn by the prizes from Afdis Company that were given to winners during the question and answer competitions on crime awareness.
Insp Simango said members of the public should call the police on the Bulawayo 24 hour hotline number (09) 85479 to report crime or give tips or report crime. Alternatively, they can call toll free using 110 from NetOne lines, 999 from landlines or convey information through suggestion boxes.