Assistant Superintendent of Police Joanne Archie is advising members of the public, particularly women, to exercise caution when travelling at night. Archie was speaking at the daily media press conference at Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. She said there had not been an increase in reports of sexual offences and only two were reported in separate divisions. "It is our responsibility to sensitise the public on safety practices...Women are particularly vulnerable to additional threats at night, whether it is driving or commuting," she said. She said it was advisable to wear a good pair of shoes to move easily.
"Awareness is your first line of defence-awareness of yourself and your surroundings and your attacker's likely strategies," she said. "Avoid using shortcuts and badly-lit areas." Archie said if in doubt, check the occupants of a car before entering. "Learn to trust your instincts and if you become worried about your safety, ask the driver to stop and get out of the car, preferably, in a busy area," she said. She said avoid using cellphones, headphones and electronics at night. "Wearing headphones will not allow you to hear someone who may be approaching you or be alerted to some impending danger," Archie said.
She said criminals chose their victims because they seem weak and unsuspecting. Archie said if anyone should find themselves in a dangerous situation, the priority was to escape. "If you are confronted and you cannot immediately escape, you may want to comply, at least until you can make an escape," she said. She advised to hand over valuables if they were demanded. Archie said it was necessary to have good lights and locks at home.
