Police give safety tips for those traveling this holiday

Fitzroy Yearwood

While Canon Flowers spoke about the true meaning of the holiday, Easter is also a time that unsavory criminals take advantage of unattended homes.  Police Press Officer Fitzroy Yearwood also had an Easter message of sorts. Yearwood gave tips on how to keep yourself and your property safe over the long holiday weekend.

Sergeant Fitzroy Yearwood, Police Press Officer

“We are asking you to do your part to help us to protect your property and your life while you are out enjoying your Easter holidays. We are asking people that if you are leaving your home and you have a neighbor that you can trust; ask that neighbor to keep a special eye out for you. And we are asking neighbors if you notice something unusual about your neighbors home—maybe a window left open, the door open—call the police, call 911or at 0-800-922-TIPS. We are also asking homeowners, if you are leaving home to unplug most of your electronic devices—except of course for your refrigerator—but to help us avoid electronic mishaps. We’re asking for you to turn off your butane tanks. If you’re leaving your vehicles at home, make sure you secure your vehicles. And please don’t leave anything in your vehicle like computers cell phones and things that can easily be seen from outside. And for those travelling, we are asking them not to leave their licensed firearms unattended in their motor vehicles. Over the past week, we have in the past moved firearms from the streets. We have been doing ballistic testing to see whether or not these have been used in various crimes. We are doing all sorts of tests. I have put out the serial numbers for these firearms to see if maybe you can identify that your firearm was stolen. We recovered a firearm that was reported stolen by a doctor and I put that in the news. We will continue to do things like this and our operations. You will see check points within Belize City, on our major highways; we will do everything possible to try to keep you safe. And we are encouraging drivers to put down alcohol during this time. Your taking your family out there to enjoy yourselves so don’t spoil the fun because you are drinking and you end up in a traffic accident where members of your family and even yourself could lose your life. We are asking them that if you are driving don’t drink and if you are drinking don’t drive. We know people will be swimming in the various rivers and at our various beaches. We are asking them to have proper supervision for their children. We want to reduce the risk of having any drowning incidents and just encourage them to enjoy this beautiful jewel of yours. And we at the police department will reassure you that while you are out having fun with your family, we will keep the city safe, the country safe and your home safe.”