Public’s role in crime prevention
10/05/2006 The Star

CRIMINALS will strike when there is an opportunity and the public should minimise any chances for crime.

State police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Christopher Wan said the public should not rely only on policemen to fight crime as they too have an equally important role to play.

Speaking at a dialogue with residents of Taman Jade View apartments, Bukit Gambir, Penang, recently, DCP Wan said house break-ins, motorcycle and snatch thefts were preventable if people were more vigilant.

“Put on additional padlocks on motorcycles and door grilles if ne- cessary although they are quite a hassle.

”Women should be more vigilant and ensure that they are not easy targets of snatch thieves,” he said.

The residents had earlier handed a memorandum to DCP Wan, detailing house break-ins, motorcycle thefts, trespassing and vandalism in the area.

However, DCP Wan was quick to point out that the police are committed to fighting crime.

“We have two patrol cars in the Batu Uban constituency. The policemen will be working round the clock and will reach the scene within 15 minutes upon receiving a call.

“Call us if you need any assistance,” said DCP Wan, adding that the police are reachable via the Rakan COP hotline (04-2691999 or 04-2623322), SMS/MMS hotline (012-4900999) or SMS POLISPG at 32728.

Also present were George Town OCPD Asst Comm Hamzah Md Jamil, Batu Uban assemblyman Goh Kheng Sneah, apartments’ legal adviser Lim Boo Chang, Resident’s Association chairman Lim Cheng Teik and Rukun Tetangga chairman Lim Siang Choon.

In responding to a question that the Sungai Nibong police station only had 48 policemen, DCP Wan said that the public should be the eyes and ears of the police.

“They should contact us and lodge police reports if needed,” he said