👮‍♂️ Increased police presence and vigilance urged over holiday season

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) is boosting its presence on the streets and urging the public to be more vigilant during the Christmas and New Year period. This move is part of the annual crime and road safety operation, Winter Guardian, which aims to ensure public safety at a time when crime rates and bad driving often escalate. The operation, which kicked off on Friday, will involve intensified road enforcement operations, increased community foot patrols, and high visibility mobile patrols. The police will also run crime prevention and road safety education and awareness campaigns. 🚔

Chief Superintendent Brad Ebanks highlighted that the festive season, which coincides with the peak visitor season, leads to increased activity on roads and in businesses. This necessitates a more strategic approach to safety and crime deterrence. The public can expect to see more foot patrols in shopping areas and residential communities. This will be supplemented by ongoing efforts to target and reduce criminal activity through high-visibility patrols carried out by specialist units, including the Firearms Response Unit. The police are also warning residents to be alert to financial crimes, which tend to increase during the holiday season. 🎅

As part of the Holiday Safety Campaign, the Traffic and Roads Policing Unit is deploying more speeding enforcement and traffic checkpoints at targeted locations. The police are also reminding everyone to make plans for getting home before heading out, especially during end-of-year parties and events. The RCIPS will support the National Drug Council in their annual Arrive Alive 345 Campaign, which includes the Designated Driver Programme and the Purple Ribbon Bus service. Winter Guardian will continue throughout the holiday season and into the New Year to ensure the safety of the public. 🚨