Remember the 3 A’s of Crime Prevention:
1. Be Aware of your surroundings at all times. 2. Be Alert to suspicious people and vehicles. 3. Avoid dangerous situations. If you are leaving home and out for the evening: - Turn on lights, radio or television so that it looks like some-one is at home. - Lock all doors and windows well, even if you are just leaving for a few minutes. - Don’t display items where they can be seen from the outside. - Park your car in a well-lit area and make sure all windows and doors are locked. - Avoid carrying a large amount of cash. Don’t flash cash around and carry it in a safe place on you. - If you have to use the ATM-machine, pay close attention to suspicious persons hanging around the machine. If that’s the case pass up that machine and find another. - Carry all wallets in the front pockets and carry purses close to your body. - Keep your children close to you while attending any activities and don’t let them get separated from you. - Pay attention to persons walking in front and behind you. (Especially in crowded places favorable for pickpockets) - When returning to your vehicle or your home, have your keys in your hands ready to open the door. - Before entering your vehicle, check front and rear and seats for any one that may be hiding there. Lock doors immediately after entering. - Ask your neighbor to keep a watchful eye out for you. - Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone. Remember that the risks of drinking and driving are not worth it. If you choose to drink, don’t drive. Make use of a designated driver or public transportation. (Taxi or bus) Make sure that you know where your kids are at all times and that they are safe.
Safety tips in the event of an armed robbery
Precautions (Mainly for the business community
1. Always bear in mind to observe your environment. You, off course, know best what’s ‘normal’ in your own surroundings, so if you see any suspicious persons or vehicles, don’t hesitate to call the police (911). Give them a good description of the people or vehicle that seems suspicious to you. Good observation only can take place when your business and surrounding areas are well lit, so repair broken lights or install new ones. 2. Make sure you have as little money as possible in your store. Take your money to safer places regularly, for instance a bank. In case your store does get robbed, the robbers don’t have a big gain. 3. Make sure your shop closes at the hour that’s on your permit. Don’t let your last late coming customer be the one who takes all the money you’ve earned that entire day. 4. If you have the opportunity; buy some camera’s that record whoever comes into your store. The images recorded on the camera’s can really help the police in their investigation.
When the robbery is taking place
Do’s
1. Stay calm, because you are a better observer when you are calm. 2. Watch out for your own safety. 3. Let the robber(s) know you intend to cooperate, this will keep the robber calm as well. You certainly don’t want him to panic. 4. Try to follow their orders precisely and calmly. 5. If you must move or reach for something, inform the robber first so they’ll know what to expect. 6. Hit the alarm when it is safe to do so. 7. If you can, call security even if you have activated the alarm. Think of a right time to alarm possible bystanders too. They can help you by, for example, calling the police or taking a good look at the suspect. Two pairs of eyes see more than one. 8. Don’t focus on the weapon, but try to observe the surrounding area. Observe every detail about the robber and note the means and direction of the escape (if you can). This information is very important for forensics and further investigation.
Don’ts
1. Try not to resist 2. Never outwardly panic. 3. When you scream, gesture or do anything to call attention to the situation, first think of the right time to do so. 5. Never assume that a gun is not real, not loaded, or that a young and innocent looking robber will not shoot you. 6. Do not offer or volunteer more than is demanded. 7. Make no sudden movements that may anger the robber or cause them to panic.
After the robbery has occurred:
1. Call the police as soon as you can and secure the scene to preserve any evidence. Lock the doors, keep people away from the areas that the robbers were in and secure any and all evidence that may have been left behind by the suspects. Also don’t touch anything the robber has touched. These measures are extremely important for the forensic investigation. 2. Immediately write down information about the incident and robbers specifically. 3. Write down exactly what you saw, and have anyone who had seen the event do the same. Ask witnesses to stay with you until the police has arrived. 4. Only record factual information. Do not guess at anything you are unsure of and do not compare your own information with witnesses. The more factual information we have got, the better it is for our investigation. 5. Get as much information about the escape without going after them: a. What means did they use? b. What direction did they go? c. Were there any accomplices d. If they used a car, what are the make, model, and color or tag number? 6. If people, who saw what happened cannot stay, get their name, address and telephone number for the police. They might be important witnesses who can help us catch whoever committed the robbery.
What to tell 911?
1. We have been robbed. 2. Identify yourself; make very clear where you are. 3. Stay on the line and answer the questions the police employee asks you.
Tips to prevent street robberies
- Avoid dark areas, dark areas form a risk because most robbers tend to rob people in dark areas - Don’t go to the ATM during dark hours, plan ahead and get your cash during safer times - Avoid carrying a lot of cash and other valuables - Trust your instincts, if you sense trouble, get away as soon as possible - Take a cab instead of walking home. If you have to walk, take some company - Be very alert and observant - Keep your money close to you, preferably not in a purse that hangs free from your hand - Don’t advertise; don’t wear expensive or fancy looking jewelry When, in spite of the abovementioned tips, a robbery does take place, here are some things you can do to make it easier for the police to catch the robber: - Stay calm - Don’t be a hero, your life is worth more than your money - Take a good look at the robber. Make mental notes about the robber. Give the dispatcher all the details you can remember about the robber(s) so the police patrols on the street can start an investigation immediately - Note the direction of the robber when he leaves - Try to get a description of the vehicle, if the robber uses one - Call 911 as soon as possible - If there are any witnesses, ask them to remain with you until the police arrive. If they can’t, get their name, address and phone number - Go to the nearest police station to file a report.
Conditional Dismissal laid down by Prosecutor's Office and KPSM.
GENERAL POLICE ORDINANCE Not following commands by a police officer (art. 3) NAFLS 150,-/$85,- Disturbing the parade (art. 4) NAFLS 150,-/$85,- Fighting in public (No ill-treatment art. 24 sub b) NAFLS 150,-/$85,- Removing, replacing or taking down of a police barricade (art. 24 sub c) NAFLS 150,-/$85,- Throwing of bottles (art. 25) NAFLS 375,-/$212,-
WEAPON ORDINANCE
Possession of a weapon (not a fire-arm) or an object to be used as such. (art. 1) NAFLS 625,-/345,-
PENAL CODE
Resisting arrest (art. 2:133) NAFLS. 625,-/$354,- Not adhering to an order given by a police officer (art.2:137) NAFLS. 375,-/$212,- Insulting a police-officer on duty (art. 2:223 jo art. 2:224) NAFLS. 375,-/$212,- Verbal threat (not group/gang related) (art. 2:255) NAFLS. 625,-/$354,- Ill-treatment (art.2:334) NAFLS.750,-/$424,- Destruction of property (art.2:334) NAFLS. 300,-/$170,- Public intoxication (art.3:4) NAFL. 150,-/$85,- Distribution of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 (3:53) NAFL. 625,-/$354,-
DRUGS ORDINANCE
Possession of Cocaine up to 03 grams (art. 3 section 1 sub c) NAFLS. 400,-/$226,- Possession of Cocaine more than 03 grams, but less or equivalent to 05 grams.(art. 3 section 1 sub c) NAFLS. 625,-/$354,- Possession of Marihuana 05 to 20 grams (art. 4 section 1 sub b) NAFLS.325,-/$184,- Possession of Marihuana more than 20 grams, but less or equal to 30 grams (art. 4 section 1 sub b) NAFLS. 625,-/$354,- Possession of 06 to 10 Xtc-pills (art. 3 section 1 sub c) NAFLS. 625,-/$354,-
http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/21931-awareness-and-safety-tips-carnival-2016.html
