Elgin Taylor, Star Writer

Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine

The Police Force has acknowledged that with the impending Christmas Holidays there is the likelihood of an upsurge in criminal activities involving robbers.

To this end, they are advising the public to be vigilant by taking certain necessary precautions.

Constable Natalie Lawrence of the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN), has issued the following safety tips:

1. Do not leave house keys under the door mat or in flower pots. Provide a key for each member of the household.

2. Most burglaries take place at nights, so be sure to install adequate outside lighting and replace burnt-out bulbs.

3. Uncollected mail and news-papers are tell-tale signs that you are not at home.

If on vacation, have mail and newspapers collected by a friend or neighbour so would-be burglars won't know that you are away.

5. If you see any suspicious person on the outside of your home or you are awakened by strange noises, alert the police, or if you have a panic alarm system, activate it immediately.

6. Do not leave ladders, tools or other implements outside as they can assist a burglar to break into your home.

7. Never admit a stranger into your home. If necessary, speak to them through an open window until proper identification is made.

8. Always make a keen observation of your surroundings before entering driveways, especi-ally at nights.