|
The prevention and detection of crime,
protection of life and property and generally, the maintenance of law and
order are, but the primary duties of law enforcement agencies. These are
recognized and accepted by civil societies the world over. As everyone must
know, these duties are not only onerous and difficult, but are also very
dangerous. Yet they are task which must be performed by devoted, committed
and courageous law enforcement personnel.
Experience has shown that individuals
with the propensity to commit crime, particularly those against the person,
have been perpetrating crime brazenly, mercilessly and in the most heinous
and brutal way. Since the law enforcement agencies by themselves, cannot
successfully prevent and control crime, the involvement of all law abiding
citizens in the fight against the criminal element is of critical importance.
The entire society therefore, owes to itself an obligation and/or responsibility
to assist and where possible to take reasonable steps to ensure its own
safety and protection.
The aim of this article is to provide some pointers to the citizenry, in
the hope that it would better help them to be more alert in the environment
which frequently lends itself to the perpetration of violent criminal acts
against them.
It has been seen in the recent past that violent crimes have steadily
increased. These criminal acts have not only resulted in significant loss of
money, jewelry and other valuable property, but also serious physical and
psychological harm to victims. In some instances, perpetrators of these
violent acts have struck with deadly force, leaving many families, loved ones
and friends in a state of shock, sorrow and grief.
If citizens are aware of what is called the “CRIME TRIANGLE,” they can
avoid becoming the next victim if certain preventive or precautionary
measures are taken. What does the “Crime Triangle” involves? This question
may be answered by simply looking at the following:
An intention – the mental element or state of mind of the criminal
A victim – the unsuspected hapless or vulnerable citizen and
An opportunity – The right, psychological moment for attack.
If one of these components is missing, there can be no crime. For
instance, if the individual has no intention to commit a criminal act, there
would be no need to look for a victim or an opportunity. Conversely, if the
individual has an intention, but has not identified a victim or isn’t
provided with an opportunity, there would be no crime. Even if he has an
intention and has decided on a victim, without an opportunity to perpetrate
the particular offence, there would be no crime. However, when an opportunity
is inadvertently provided the perpetrator quickly acts on that opportunity,
and preys on the victim. There is little or no time to react as very often
the victim is steering down the nozzle of an awesome looking gun or at the
point of a knife, resembling that carried by Sylvester Stallone in the movie “Rambo”
indeed, it is frightening.
Hence, it is the unsuspecting citizen who provides the criminal with an
opportunity and him/herself as the victim. These then act as the driving
force for the perpetrator to put his intention into action. This could be avoided
if citizens would only follow these simple guide lines for their personal
safety and protection. Experience has taught us that many violent crimes,
namely, sexual assaults and robberies are committed against victims of both
sexes. These usually occurred when they least expect an attack. The following
pointers therefore are worth considering:
When traveling in congested or crowded areas, it may be wise to have all
visible jeweler removed;
When walking at night, where possible use popular streets and well lit
areas. Avoid shortcuts, parks and alleys. There is always someone lurking in
the dark for a victim and any victim who appears vulnerable to a perpetrator
is a target. Dark corridors, doorways and desolate areas are to be avoided;
When walking alone listen for voices and/or footsteps immediately behind
or in your vicinity. Always be aware of your surroundings. It is important to
portray confidence by walking briskly, at the same time, avoid walking
through a group or a crowd. Always be on the alert for “pick-pockets” in
crowded areas;
To the best of your ability avoid exposing money unnecessarily in public
(whether small or large sums) and especially in congested areas;
When transacting business involving large sums of money, where possible
payment such transaction should be made by check.
Avoid wearing scarves, and necklaces which are easy to grab. Women should
wear shoes which will enable them to run if the necessity arises;
Women, when carrying bags, should clutch them securely under their arm or
where possible;
They should consider whether it is absolutely necessary to carry a bag.
Money, valuables and identification are much safely carried in an inside
pocket;
Never put down your purse on store counters, shopping carts/baskets or on
vehicle seats. If you were to do this, you run the risk of forgetting it or
having it snatched from your possession;
Be sure to have your house keys ready in advance. Keys and cellular phones
should not be carried in hand bags nor on waist or around the neck. Always
remember the snatchers. You would need your keys to enter your vehicle or
house and your phone to call for help, if necessary;
Women should avoid accepting rides from strangers at nights. Very often
that is the time when most sexual assaults are committed;
Children should be educated against accepting packages, rides, candies and
money from strangers; and if you receive an anonymous call by telephone never
give the impression that you are home alone. You can pretend by calling
someone to take the call. If the caller has no business to engage you in or
the caller genuinely mistakes your number for another, the caller may say
sorry and hang up.
The pointers contained herein are not in or by themselves the “cure all”
for crime prevention. However, if practiced they could help to prevent the
commission of certain criminal acts. Therefore, it is important to remember
that preventing crime is the responsibility of every law abiding citizen.
Crime prevention not only involves limiting the illegal activities of criminal,
but also making it more difficult for them to commit crime. Thus crime
prevention is an on—going initiative which requires the total involvement of
every man, woman and child.
Do not put yourself in any unnecessary danger. Always remember the
components in the “Crime Triangle,” particularly that of the “victim and an
opportunity.” Without you presenting yourself as the former and providing the
latter, the would-be criminal would only possess the intent and nothing else.
As a result of the above, you would have been able to negate his ability to
commit a crime against you or other members of the community. Avoid becoming
a tempting target or the next victim of a crime. Always be on the alert in
your surroundings.
|