Police: Watch out for fake bills

As the Carnival season kicks into high gear, members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force are urging the public to be more vigilant.{{more}}

To this end, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Friday, June 25, 2010, at an exhition staged on the sidewalk in front of the Central Police Station, Kingstown, showcased to Vincentians ways of protecting themselves and others during the Carnival season.

Scores of passersby made stops during the course of the day to observe the force’s sensitization programme on crime prevention.

A host of different items were on display, including ways to prevent rape, pickpocketing, money laundering and ways to keep one’s house secure.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT, Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Willisford Caesar, said that the exhibition was staged to educate the public on how to reduce instances of crime.

Caesar stated that he hopes Vincentians will be better informed and better prepared to assist the police in their fight against crime and violence. He noted that the response from the crowd has been tremendous and trusts that they will continue to take measures at protecting themselves.

Caesar is also warning Vincentians that the ‘No Bottle’ policy is in effect throughout the Carnival season.

He warned that vendors caught selling drinks to persons in bottles could be fined $1000 or more or face three months imprisonment.

Since the launch of Carnival in May, Caesar said reports of crime have been low. “This has been because of our stepped up police presence and this will continue until Carnival is over,” Caesar said.

Station Sergeant Trevor Bailey and Sergeant Jeffrey Laborde, spent much of Friday afternoon sensitizing the public about counterfeit currencies and measures that can be employed to identify them.

“I would advise persons to take a proper look at the money being given to them, especially vendors. I know that this is the Carnival season and the intention is to make money, but I want to urge them not to be in a hurry to accept the money,” said Bailey, as he advised that vendors should carry a light with them to properly observe the features of currency they receive.

For the Eastern Caribbean dollar currency, he said there are simple features that people can look for, even though it may be at night: “When you hold a genuine note in your hand, you should see an impression of the Queen’s head. On the other side you should also be seeing an impression of the face…The more recent notes have two security threads and you should be seeing the letters ECCB.”

Corporal Wilma Black-Williams, said the CID is on a quest to sensitize the public about crimes that are prevalent during the carnival season.

During the exhibition, women were taught how to carry their handbags safely, while others were warned about the three card games.

Black-Williams advised females to have their keys readily available in their hands when approaching their vehicles and homes.

“While they are at the vehicle searching through their handbag someone can come up place a knife at their throat, a gun at their head, and they can be a victim of robbery or rape,” Black-William stated.

Franics Providence, proprietor of Providence Electronic Solutions (PES), said he was delighted to exhibit some of the security systems offered by his company. He is of the opinion that Vincentians are not sensitized enough on matters relating to security.