FESTIVE SEASONAL MESSAGE FROM THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
As usual, the festive season comes with a lot of excitement and people are in celebrative mood, I therefore wish to call upon members of the public to pay attention to their personal security and safety. Note that as you go about your business, criminally minded elements are also going about their business looking for an opportunity to take advantage of unsuspecting people for their valuables.
With a growing trend in Gender Based Violence, I would like to advise people to drink responsibly as they celebrate and avoid abusing alcohol which may lead to their inability to reason properly. Alcohol abuse is also known to be one of the leading causes of Road Traffic Accidents in the country.
To ensure that people celebrate in a peaceful environment, Zambia Police supported by other security agencies have put in place security measures which include foot and motorised patrols as well as general vigilance in communities throughout the country to prevent crime.
Parents are advised to guide their children as they celebrate because it is during such periods that we record a lot of juvenile delinquency. According to 2015 statistics, the Country recorded a total of 2,089 juvenile convictions for various offences as compared to 2,029 juvenile convictions in 2014. This showed an increase by 60 cases representing a percentage increase of 2.87 percent.
In 2015, Lusaka Division recorded the highest number of juvenile convictions with 1,055 convictions followed by Copperbelt with 719 and the least was Northern Division with 15 convictions.
Most prevalent offences committed by juveniles include Affray; Assault OABH, Rape, Defilement, Drunk and Incapable or Drunk and disorderly, Burglary and general Thefts.
Furthermore, I am advising all those making cash transactions from banks and Automated Teller Machines (ATM) to always be alert and avoid exposing security information and monies withdrawn. They should also avoid making transactions involving huge sums of money without security escort.
I also advise Banks to put up strict security measures inside and outside the banks to protect their clients. Further, security personnel at banks are also advised to always be alert and question anyone who they notice loitering within the premises of the banks without any justifiable cause.
It during such periods that we record an increase in cases of thefts from motor vehicles at shopping centers, traffic lights and crowded places. Criminals also take advantage of traffic congestion to open unlocked doors snatching valuables from slow moving vehicles. Therefore motorists should ensure that their car doors and windows are secured and should avoid exposing valuables which they may be carrying in their vehicles. Pedestrians should also be on the look-out for pick pockets who are very active during this period.
All Provincial Police Commanders have come up with security measures that would help in policing all crime prone areas in their respective areas. . s Zambia Police, we would like to thank members of the public for their support during this year. We will still continue knocking on your doors for continued collaboration in the fight against crime in the coming year and beyond since it is evident that effective policing cannot be achieved by police alone but by working in partnership with members of the public and other stakeholders.
On behalf of the Zambia Police Service, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous Crime-Free 2017.
KAKOMA KANGANJA
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
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