AT a recent meeting, Heather Rorick from Bulwer Community Safety Forum, said the increase in crime in all areas was discussed.
“With winter approaching fast now and with it getting dark earlier and getting light later in the morning, this is perfect weather for criminals. Please do not forget to reset you timers on your lights to come on earlier at night and go off later in the mornings. If you do not have lights that light up your yard at night please go and invest in some or please make sure you leave lights burning. Criminals love the dark as it hides them from the street and your neighbours, sometimes even from you, and they have the upper hand to overpower and surprise you,” she said.
She also urged people to keep all gates and doors locked when at home.
“I attended a home invasion where I had to counsel a family who had been held up by armed men, they were assaulted and the elderly lady was pistol whipped while her baby grandchild was in her arms,” she said.
According to Rorick, the men had gained entry as the elderly man had a routine of going outside to the same place to smoke his cigarettes. The men waited for him to finish and as he was going back into the house they overpowered him and gained entry through the open door and gate.
“Be very careful with routine as these people watch sometimes for days before they strike. As difficult as it may be, do not always leave and arrive home at the exact time every single day and drive the same route because as much as you like routine and it makes your life easier so do the criminals, as it makes their life and job easier to rob you, or to hijack you,” she said.
She encouraged the community to join community watches in the area.
“Get to know the neighbours living in your road, exchange telephone numbers with your neighbours for emergencies. Attend meetings in your area, talk to your children about safety measures while at home or when out. Crime is a reality now,” she said.
