Be wary on roads, police say

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
POLICE have advised and warned the public to take precautionary measures and to be more wary of suspicious characters following a spate of armed and motor vehicle robberies in the National Capital District (NCD) the past week.
NCD Metropolitan Supt Gideon Ikumu said police had stepped up its crime-prevention patrols for more effective response, especially with the surge in the coronavirus (Covid-19) infections.
“People are confused and anxious and criminals have taken advantage of the situation to strike at every opportunity,” he said.
Supt Ikumu added that the city’s crime rate remained unpredictable, but police had made every effort to tackle crime. However, he said police still managed to reduce the crime rate significantly over the past 14 months after implementing police patrol zones.
“But the situation and circumstances changed when the Covid-19 struck, placing considerable strain on police resources and operations.
“More emphasis will now be placed on intelligence gathering and more covert operations targeting crime networks operating within the city.”
Supt Ikumu said the slight increase in the city’s crime rate could also be attributed to the Covid-19 infection spike and threat that had literally affected the livelihood of many city residents.
He said drivers were held up and robbed of their vehicles in various parts of the city, especially during the rainy period.
“Most of the vehicles have been recovered with help from communities,” he said.
“We are now reassessing our operations aimed at improving police visibility and crime management.
“I appeal to the city folk to support us and to report crime.”