The ManicaPost
Luxson Chananda
ROBBERIES are some of the crimes which we need to constantly keep each other updated and highlighting what is happening around us as well as what we ought to do to prevent them.
The crime is one of a few others that often sent shivers down the spine each time they occur even to those who may have heard about their occurrence, not to talk of witnessing or involvement in them as victims.
In Manicaland areas around the central business district, some spots along highways, farming areas and business entities have been common hunting ground for robbers.
The police has managed this offence in two categories namely, Armed Robbery (where firearms are used) and Plain Robbery (where no weapons are used).
Robbery is a theft where the thief uses violence to force the victim to surrender property which is subject of the theft. The act is criminalised by the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:26.
The following constitute some of the common targets by criminals when looking at cases that occur in Manicaland Province.
Harvest time for cash crops such as macadamia nuts, tobacco and previously cotton.
Cash on transit involving company employees.
Motor vehicles in cases commonly referred to as carjacking.
Travellers given lifts by robbers disguised as innocent travellers.
Business institutions, like fuel stations, shops, mines etc.
Residential areas, particularly the affluent low-density suburbs.
Isolated incidents of people pounced on under varying circumstances.
Interestingly, these cases had a downward swing in the 2019 and 2020 comparative periods.
In 2019, the province recorded a total of 124 armed robbery cases, swinging down by 35 percent to 80 in 2020.
The same applies to plain robbery (where no weapon is used, save for mere use or threats of violence) where 256 cases were recorded in 2019 and declined by 33 percent to 172 in 2020.
Like in most of the crimes handled by police, the lockdown period has come as a blessing in disguise where cases have nose-dived mostly due to the absence of crowds and limited movement.
Criminals have in the past been camouflaged in large crowds and hype of activities which made their job easier.
Police’s major worry now is on the number of the cases, reduced as they are, that continue to occur under circumstances where we should not be experiencing any at all.
It has been observed that individuals, property owners and business operators who have fallen victim to cases of robbery may have disregarded some precautionary measures which do not even cost much.
The environment in which we stay and operate our businesses from should not give criminals a nest to lays eggs on. A few tips can help us avoid these situations.
Employ target hardening (making it difficult for a criminal to steal/rob) and target removal (keeping property out of sight) techniques.
Desist from keeping large sums of money at home or business premises or carrying the money with you when you travel.
Adhere to curfew regulations as failure to do so can render you the only target available for criminals because most people are in their homes.
Secure houses and business premises with burglar bars, pre-cast walls, alarm systems, CCTVS and even security personnel.
Use public transport when commuting and when driving your own vehicle stop picking strangers as you go.
Walk on public roads and avoid pathways with tall grass.
Join Crime Prevention social media groups most of which now include police officers on patrols particularly those on night duty.
The Mutare Crime Reaction group is posting commendable successes in crime prevention and management.
For further information on these and other matters, please get in touch with ZRP Manicaland WhatsApp 0771 411 441. ZRP Manicaland Press and Public Relations
