From RCIPS

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) annual holiday safety operation, Winter Guardian, began on Thursday, 11 December. The focus of the operation is road safety and enforcement, as well as crime prevention and public safety.

The primary road safety focus for the rest of the year is to reduce fatalities, especially since four fatal collisions occurred in December last year. To achieve this, the following operational activities will be implemented:

  *   Intensified Enforcement: The Public can expect increased speeding enforcement and vehicle checkpoints at targeted locations, both day and night. Targeted Behaviours, where officers will be focusing on the main causes of collisions, will include speeding, driving under the influence (DUI) and distracted driving.

  *   Encouragement for Drivers to display good driving behaviours such as refraining from driving under the influence, not using their mobile phones while driving, staying within the speed limits and immediately contacting 9-1-1 if they suspect someone is driving under the influence.

  *   Support for ‘Arrive Alive 345’ Campaign, which encompasses the Designated Driver Programme: Local restaurants offer complimentary soft drinks to designated drivers. Purple Ribbon Bus Service: Free bus service on New Year’s Eve (9:00 PM to 5:00 AM) for all districts on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Purple Ribbon Pledge: Drivers are encouraged to take a pledge not to drink and drive.

The operation also aims to support the residential and business community in deterring criminal activities due to increased social and commercial activity and higher-value transactions. To do so, the public can expect to see:

  *   Increased visibility, including community foot patrols around shopping areas and residential communities and high-visibility mobile patrols by specialist units, including the Firearms Response Unit, Air Operations Unit, and K-9.

  *   Financial Crime Warnings, such as caution regarding the increase in financial crimes like credit card fraud, business email compromise, and social media scams. Advice to the public includes: monitoring card transactions closely for discrepancies, remaining alert to text/email scams requesting passwords or bank details, and never sharing these details, but verifying communication directly with the business. Also, be wary of social media ‘investment opportunities’.

During the festive season, there is usually an increase in acquisitive crimes and crimes of opportunity. To reduce your chances of becoming a victim of such crimes, consider the following general personal safety tips:

  *   Stay with a trusted group of friends when socialising.
  *   Plan your journey home before heading out.
  *   When shopping, place valuables/shopping bags out of public view (e.g., in the trunk) when stored in a vehicle.
  *   Ensure home/business decorations do not obstruct security cameras.
  *   Avoid placing gifts under a tree visible to passersby.
  *   Businesses are encouraged to hire additional security and ensure CCTV is working.

Operation Winter Guardian will run throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. During this period, the Seven Mile Public Beach has been added to the RCIPS patrol strategy, and beachgoers should expect to see a steady police presence during this time.

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