Steven Klukowski
KEETMANSHOOP — //Kharas Police chief Tauno Hamukoto said civilians in the region should, in light of the fact that Christmas is a time of reuniting as families, enjoy the festive season responsibly within the parameters of the law.
He sent this message to residents during an interview with New Era earlier this week. “The main principle of safety starts with you, as our esteemed customers, for the police to enforce the maintenance of law, protecting you and your properties as our main responsibility,” he emphasised.
Hamukoto continued it would be a shame if families were divided during this special time due to irresponsible, criminal behaviour within the circle.
“Rest assured that our officers will patrol all areas in the region 24/7, as you and your properties’ safety are our core part of crime prevention activities during this festive season,” he said.
The police chief also said they would not at any stage hesitate to apply the full wrath of the law as a warning sign to prospective criminals.
“Those thugs must be aware that police patrols and roadblocks will be carried out randomly on a mobile base. So, sooner or later they will face the consequences of their illicit behaviour,” said Hamukoto.
He also called on citizens to minimise movement at night as far as possible, bearing in mind medical and other emergencies justifying their nocturnal whereabouts.
“For those drivers travelling for holiday I want to emphasise that it will spoil your holiday with family inside your car when nabbed for traffic violations like drunken driving, speeding and other related transgressions, so spare your loved ones the humiliation and adhere to regulations and rules in place,” the commissioner advised accordingly.
He added it is a common fact that when some people are getting too excited during festive celebrations, they tend to quarrel and it ends in domestic violence, hence his call that they should enjoy family gatherings, but moderately.
“For those travelling and leaving their houses unattended, please be aware that housebreaking criminals are observing your movements when coming abruptly to a stop.
“Arrange with your neighbours to observe movements in your yard and never post on social media that you are going away on holiday,” Hamukoto advised. He also urged shoppers to always remain in an area surrounded by other citizens to prevent being robbed or mugged in isolated areas.
“Please also park your cars in crowded car parks and never leave valuable items inside, as this will entice criminals to damage your windows to get access to it,” he said. The police chief also called on all residents in the region to fully cooperate with law enforcement officers in the //Kharas region, as crime can only be prevented successfully if it is approached reciprocally.