Most common crime vulnerability factors

Jonathan Chigede
WE continue looking at the 10 most common crime vulnerability factors. Last week we discussed the first five factors which are old age, minority, desperation, lack of security and intoxication. Appreciation of how vulnerable we are to crime will assist in combating crime by reducing or eliminating vulnerability.

This week we look at the remaining five factors which are as follows:
Overcrowding/pushing and shoving
Criminals take advantage of overcrowding to steal as it is difficult for the victim to realise he or she is being searched. One will only be surprised when about to pay for goods or services or make a call to realise that the cash and cellphone have been stolen.

Pushing and shoving at bus termini or at undesignated pick-up points makes such travellers vulnerable to crime.

When walking along the street, do not squeeze yourself along the way because you make yourself vulnerable to pick-pocketing.

At music shows where overcrowding is most likely, do not carry substantial cash with you. Take only items and cash of immediate and sufficient use.

Exposure
Exposing property items to the public is a factor which also influences crime as criminals are good observers.

Motorists should not leave items like handbags and laptops exposed in their parked vehicles as they attract criminals.

Do not produce wads of cash in full view of the public when purchasing items as you never know who will follow you thereafter.

When withdrawing cash at automated teller machines, make sure your personal identification number remains what it is — personal.

Isolation
People in rural areas should ensure that they do not build their homes in isolation from others.

Criminals easily take advantage of such isolation to commit crimes such as theft, unlawful entry into premises, rape and even murder.

When criminals invade isolated homes, assistance for the occupants may not easily be found as there will be no one in the proximity to shout to for help.

Response by rescuers to isolated homes is also most likely to be time consuming. Cases of bodies of people who live in isolation being discovered in advanced state of decomposition have been recorded on a number of occasions.

Unsafe travelling practices
Travellers are encouraged to use public transport to reduce vulnerability to crime. Many people who prefer private vehicles have been robbed of their valuables when such motorists divert routes or suddenly stop in no man’s land and strip the unsuspecting travellers of their property.

Enhance your safety and security by using public transport such as commuter omnibuses, conventional buses and registered taxis.

Travelling late at night is not safe especially when alone. The use of the popular but dangerous short cuts by pedestrians increases the vulnerability of the traveller. Recently, a Chikanga teenage school girl who disembarked from a commuter omnibus after 9pm and walked home alone was intercepted by a man who dragged her into the bush near St Mary’s Secondary School and ruthlessly raped her.

Driving late at night especially for long distances should be done in the company of someone else as a breakdown may be experienced at dangerous spots along the road leaving the occupant at the mercy of criminals. Also ensure you have adequate airtime to call for help when the need arises.

Motorists should desist from the habit of picking up strange passengers as they risk being robbed of their vehicles and other valuable items.

Adventure
Pleasure seekers, lovebirds and tourists who adventure in the bush or mountains should be cautious of criminal elements.

There is safety in numbers so those who adventure out there should do so in the company of others as there will be someone to watch your back.

It is always wise not to park vehicles in secluded places as criminals are usually on the prowl in such places.

Those in love and want to enjoy themselves away from their homes for one reason or another should book in hotels, lodges or such other licensed premises. Enjoying love in the bush is making oneself vulnerable to criminals as many have been attacked and robbed of their property with some women being raped by the unexpected guest.

Whilst we are all prone to crime one day or the other, in one way or another, the key to crime prevention is reducing or eliminating our vulnerability to crime.

• Jonathan Chigede is a Chief Inspector in the Zimbabwe Republic Police and he is the current Officer in Charge for ZRP Dangamvura. He is contactable on – 0773 019 982/0714099 770 or email [email protected]