Store owners beware

Acting Commissioner of Police Bertie Hinds is urging business owners to step up their security and vigilance during the busy Christmas season.
His comments were made today during the launch of the annual Operation Yuletide, at Chapel Street, The City.
He said officers will be out in full force for stepped up 24-hour surveillance, which will be in place through January 3.
“The force is asking persons to cooperate with us – business persons, banks, supermarkets, gas stations . . . And by cooperation I mean with those particular entities to beef up their security, to ensure that their security architecture is in place and they have the best possible equipment so that if we do not prevent, we can detect any perpetrator who might attack these buildings or establishments, or businesses as the case may be,” Hinds suggested.
He is also encouraging shoppers and people conducting business to exercise caution.
“Be alert to [your] surroundings and be careful when people approach [you] offering goodies and so on, not to fall. Because, of course, you will have people who are bent on criminal activity . . . in The City, and all about Barbados for that matter. So we just want [you] to be careful who you engage with. Make sure that your cash is secure and of course your valuables like cellphones, chains and so on . . . and be aware of your surroundings,” he advised.
Hinds said the Operation Yuletide exercise was put on for crime prevention purposes.