As the holiday season approaches with more people attending functions and an increase in consumption of alcohol which could lead to a rise in road vehicle accidents, domestic violence cases and crimes in general, the police have launched a Festive Operational Plan.
During the launch there were presentations on crime statistics, overview of opportunist crimes, road traffic deterrent initiatives, unveiling of posters for the second phase of the campaign ‘Arrive alive –drunk driving and speeding wreck lives’ and also that for home safety and business protection.
Some two thousand of these posters will then be distributed all over the country for education purposes.
The National Co-ordinated Festive Season Crime Prevention Plan comprises four pillars and one of them is the second phase of the ‘Arrive Alive’ campaign which was launched by the Minister for Home Affairs Mitcy Larue in the presence of the Commissioner of Police Reginald Elizabeth, principal secretary for land transport Patrick Andre, road transport commissioner Tim Marie, high level police officers, representatives of Seychelles Breweries Ltd and other partners.
The objective of the campaign is to reduce reactive crime and increase the detection of proactive crime, increase police visibility, promote the image of the police and improve police-community relations, prevent and combat alcohol related crimes, educate the public regarding opportunist crimes.
The campaign kicked off yesterday and is expected to end on January 8, 2017.
“During 2015 to date, the police have recorded more than 1956 accidents, 12 fatal cases in 2015 and 14 fatal cases up to now in 2016. These are alarming figures therefore immediate action is needed,” she said.
She said the ‘Arrive Alive’ campaign concerns her, concerns you and concerns us all and we should take it seriously.
“Taking into account that the primary role of the police is to preserve lives and properties, assure our population’s security is the reason behind such a campaign,” she said.
She appealed to everyone to take precaution at home and on the streets and motorists as well as pedestrians to take their responsibilities.
“Don’t drink and drive, don’t speed, respect regulations and respect the police officers,” she said.
She also appealed to the officers to give out good quality service to the public and demonstrate professionalism and good customer care in the way we serve our people.
Compol Elizabeth said the police would like to make a special effort to create a safe and secure environment for all citizens of Seychelles as well as visitors during this festive period.
“Our police operation is to ensure a safe and secure festive season for all our citizens and visitors during this period and please be reminded that for any emergency, call 999 for assistance. It is your responsibility as drivers to contribute to safety on our roads and for this we would encourage all drivers to have a designated sober driver to ensure that you arrive home safely. Don’t drink and drive and arrive at your destination alive,” he said.
He reassured the public of the police’s commitment to achieving their goals and objectives.
