Report crime for safety

The saying 'if you see something, say something' may sound cliché but those who exercise it more often remain safe and help raising public awareness against crime.

Police and security forces are hard at work, but public safety is the responsibility of all individuals.

The participation of ordinary citizens is an integral part of our homeland security efforts. You know your everyday surroundings best - neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools, parks and transportation systems, and chances are you will notice when something seems strange or out of place.

Be cautious about suspicious behaviour including abandoned vehicles, unauthorised individuals, strange packages or unusual odours.

Additionally, all employees need to be alert to potential risks at their workplace. Strange behaviour or suspicious activity should be reported to proper authorities immediately. If you see something, say something.

Describe exactly what the suspicious activity is, this will help security agents and police act swiftly knowing the direction and exact location.

The number of people, ages, gender, and physical descriptions of each individual observed can be of help in identifying criminals when they are nabbed after committing crime.

Remember to note date, time and duration of activity; this will help in the investigation.

Note vehicle colour, make, licence plate, while some criminals are swift and change vehicles once they commit crime, others have no option but to use their car while escaping thus the need to note the details.

Security is a shared responsibility, and each citizen has a role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities. Your community is safer when you are engaged and alert.