Criminals act when there’s opportunity

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KUCHING: Crime occurs because the public give criminals the opportunity.

THANK YOU: Organising chairman Michael Wong (third right) presents a fruit basket to Jamaludin witnessed by Yap (third left), Special Affairs coordinator Felicia Nonima (right) and other members.

Hence the public must be aware of their surroundings at all times, regardless of where they are, advised branch head of Sekama Police Station, Chief Inspector Jamaludin Abdul Latiff.

Jamaludin said this at a programme on discussion, explanation of current issues and police dialogue with the people at the Multipurpose Centre at Jalan Kempas on Sunday night.

The programme was aimed at creating public awareness on crime prevention and to let them know of crime cases in the city.

“One of the best ways to minimise chances for crime to happen is to work in cooperation with the police,” he pointed out.

“We will do our best to protect citizens  as  much as we can but it will be better with public cooperation.”

According to him, due to the fast development in the city, the rural-urban migration has intensified due to many job opportunities and the population has increased rapidly.

“Sadly, the increased population in the city comes with an increase in crime rate as many unemployed people facing hard times resort to crime to survive,” he said.

Jamaludin said common crimes here were snatching, robbery and breaking into cars and houses to steal.

Snatchings and robberies are rampant in commercial areas such as banks, restaurants and by the roadside.

He therefore urged people to take extra precautions in such places.

Cars were often broken in when valuables such as laptops, mobile phones, handbags and electronic gadgets were left in them.

“By leaving such valuables in the car, we are actually tempting criminals. They act very fast. Whenever there are opportunities to commit crime, they will do it. So be careful and aware at all times. Do not give opportunity to criminals,” he advised.

Jamaludin said house break-ins were common particularly during the rainy season.

“So  it’s  important  to know your neighbours. Neighbours should help one  another   prevent  house break-ins, especially when there is nobody at home. Taking extra precautions will benefit each other at the end of the day.

“On the other hand, the police will continue with routine patrols of the city and housing areas. In fact, we have more police patrols in the city compared to before. We are watching and monitoring the city and housing areas 24 hours a day,” he said.

Jamaludin assured the public that  crime rates here were still under control, so the public should not be unduly worried but take precautions all the time.

The one-day programme was organised by Special Affairs Department Kuching together with the EverBright Jaya and Phoning Garden Community Association.

Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Publicity and Information Secretary Datuk Alfred Yap was among those present.