Common Christmas Crimes

As people relax during the holidays, it is harvest time for criminals who target houses and crowded places to snatch valuables, writes ALAN OLINGOBurglaryBurglary tops the list of crimes that are committed within this period. Not everyone’s heart is full of seasonal cheer at Christmas, and it is one time of the year when crime rates go through the roof. Most of the burglaries occur in unoccupied houses when their occupants are away on holidays.Car Break-InsCrowded places like bus parks and beaches are soft targets for criminals to strike.Given that the car tracking systems are now in place, many criminals are turning away from stealing the car itself, towards making a quick smash and grab and taking any valuables instead. With people carrying around expensive gifts and electronics like laptops, cameras and phones, the return can be good for criminals. Tip: Whenever you park your car, do not leave possessions in the seats where thugs can see them. Either carry them or lock them in the boot. Use well-lit, patrolled and secure car parks to avoid break-in. Shopping Mall theftsPickpockets are usually organised and more often are likely to be opportunistic thieves operating in busy shopping areas and looking for naive shoppers. With the festivities, there is always a heightened shopping frenzy and this group of thieves also have a field day.Tip: It is advisable to go shopping early and keep your money and valuables out of sight. While shopping in crowded public areas, make sure you know where your possessions are. Do not leave your purse in an open bag. This will attract thieves.Shopping ScamsDuring Christmas, almost all outlets are giving out offers. Everyone is on the look for a bargain and if you look around, you will meet traders offering unbelievable discounts, however, not all of them are trustworthy.Tip: If something seems too good to be true then it probably is. Whether it’s someone selling things in the pub, streets or even at your door, buy only through reputable dealers. Don’t forget handling stolen goods is a crime, and during this period, there are quiet a number of stolen goods up for sale.Drunken fightingDuring Christmas, most people engage in drinking and partying. Alcohol is one of the leading factors in incidents of violent crime, especially for young men. On big nights out like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, fights aren’t uncommon. This might land you in a cell or even with a capital offence like murder.Tip: Engage in alcohol indulgence up to your controlled limit. If you feel inebriated, go home.Drunken drivingThe media and various stakeholders have already started campaigns for road safety during this festive season. More often than not, most deaths that occur during this season are as a result of drunken driving. Christmas is a peak time of year for people to risk getting in the car drunk. Tip: Leave the car at home, and be aware that you could still be over the limit the morning after. If you feel the driver is drunk, ask him to stop the car and alight. Report the matter to police immediately.Domestic violenceCases of domestic violence peak at stressful times like Christmas. With the current economic hardships, couples are prone to getting into arguments especially concerning festivities.Petty CrimesIt’s the time of year when many of us allow ourselves an extra bottle or two. All well and good, but remember that when you’re drunk you’re less likely to be keeping an eye on things like your mobile phone or camera. Thieves are lurking by your side waiting for you to get careless. This is harvest time for muggers.Police assure safety during holidaysKenya has been a target of terrorists and it is expected that terrorist activities will increase following the country’s ongoing military operation in Somali.Youth who had previously joined Al Shabaab could sneak back into the country and as sympathisers, it is feared they could be used to unleash terror in Nairobi and other major cities.In mid October, Somali-based militants reportedly threatened to launch attacks in Kenya in retaliation for the ongoing military operation in Somalia by Kenyan security forces. According to the Al Shabaab, the attacks could occur in any part of Kenya, including places frequented by westerners, and police urged vigilance. In a statement, Al Shabaab spokesman Ali Mohamud Rage said that Kenya’s "skyscrapers will be destroyed, your tourism will disappear" because of Kenyan troops entering Somalia. If Kenya continues its military operation in Somalia, the lives of thousands of Kenyans will be in danger."The bloody battles that will ensue as a result of this incursion will most likely disrupt the social equilibrium and imperil the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians, and with war consequently comes a significant loss of lives, instability, destruction to the local economy and a critical lack of security," Rage said.Early this month, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a travel advisory to their citizens who were intending to travel to Kenya over the Christmas festivities."Reports of mid-December indicate that terrorist attacks are currently being planned and may be carried out in the period surrounding the Christmas and New Year holidays. Possible targets include churches and other places of worship, beach resorts, ferries, hotels and nightclubs," read the statement.Over the weekend, Coast Provincial Police Officer Aggrey Adoli outlined security measures police have put in place during Christmas season to ensure Kenyans and particularly those holidaying at the coast were safe."We assure the coast residents that the air, ocean and the beaches are under tight scrutiny from the Kenya police," said Adoli.Adoli said they have two police helicopters patrolling the Kiunga-Lamu stretch and also Malindi-Mombasa areas."We are pleased to have two rubber dingy donated by friends to help the police patrol the beaches. We will have four policemen per dingy to ensure that the safety of those using our beaches is guaranteed," he added.Police have also intensified their crackdown on terrorism by mounting several roadblocks along the major highways to vet and scrutinise passengers."We have set up several road blocks in strategic places to ensure safety on the highways in Cost Province to screen people entering and leaving Mombasa for security reasons," said Adoli.The coast especially Mombasa is always a favourite spot for holiday seekers especially from upcountry and these measures are to deter any possible attacks during these festivities. The Somali-based militants have previously declared a ‘jihad’ against the interests of East African Governments supporting the Somali Transitional Federal Government, including the Kenyan Government. During the weekly media briefing on the war in Somalia, the Kenya Police and the military said security within the country and its borders had been beefed up ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.Police spokesperson Eric Kiraithe said they will conduct regular and sporadic operations especially in crowded places including beaches, hotels, supermarkets and bus stops."The police will also work closely with management of such establishments to guarantee the safety of revellers. We have made sure that Kenyans will enjoy the holiday without any security lapse," Mr Kiraithe told journalists in Nairobi accompanied by the military spokesperson Cyrus Oguna.

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