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Criminals usually take advantage of the fact that property owners usually relax during public holidays such as Christmas hence an upsurge in crime during such public holidays. Affluent families usually spend the holidays at resorts, leaving their homes unattended.

It is such homes which usually fall prey to criminals who break in and steal property. Some homes have been “cleaned” by criminals during such periods thereby spoiling the holidays for the owners. It is also a fact that many Zimbabweans who cannot afford to spend holidays at hotels, enjoy spending such holidays with their extended families in the rural areas so most houses in town are left unattended.

It is therefore very important that those who intend to spend the holidays away from their homes take measures to ensure the place is safe and secure. There are many options available but the one that is accessible to most people is to register the homes with the police so that during their patrols they can constantly check on the house.

The most effective method, though it costs money, is to engage a security company to guard the property 24 hours. It is better to spend a few hundred dollars and be guaranteed that your property is secure and safe. Some families have had their houses cleaned during such holidays and many of them have found it difficult to replace the lost property.

The country has over the years witnessed an upsurge in cases of housebreaking and theft during Christmas and New Year holidays and the culprits include Zimbabweans working in neighbouring countries such as South Africa who come home during such public holidays. It is therefore incumbent upon each and every Zimbabwean to help police fight crime by providing information on individuals or groups with criminal tendencies.

Criminals live among the people and it is the responsibility of society to rid itself of crime by reporting the presence of these undesirable elements to the police. The police on their part should intensify patrols during the day and at night in all areas to deter criminals.

In some suburbs residents have come together to form patrol groups to help the police fight crime and this is commendable especially during such holidays. There will be a lot of merry-making starting today as families, relatives and friends gather for Christmas parties.

It is at such gatherings that violence can break out and police should therefore be notified of such gatherings. Nightclubs, sports bars and bottle stores will be a hive of activity as imbibers celebrate Christmas with friends and relatives and again the police should be strategically positioned to deal with any acts of violence.

We want a crime free-Christmas holidays and this is only possible if each and every one of us takes measures to fight crime. Those who decide to harbour criminals should realise that one day they might fall victim. Avoid spoiling your Christmas by ensuring your home is safe and secure before you leave for your holiday destination.