Garth Rattray | Chicken merry, hawk deh near

Well, it’s the silly season again. Many people go bonkers to congregate, celebrate, buy, sell, and steal. It’s a very busy time when spirits are usually up, and guards are often down. People are extremely vulnerable during the Yuletide, and thieves know this.

A lot of vehicles are out and about and ‘car thieves’ are going to make the most of it. Nowadays car thieves access the vehicle’s electronic control unit, or surreptitiously scan the [remote] key for keyless entry vehicles while they are in your pocket or in your home. Then they simply drive the vehicles away. If you have a keyless entry vehicle, get a Faraday pouch for your remote to block all signals from them. It is also a good idea to install a ‘tracker system’ in your vehicle and/or a ‘kill switch’ to make life very difficult for those thieves.

When parking, be aware of your surroundings and never park in deserted, poorly lit, or dark areas. While you are out and walking about, do not allow your cell phone to distract you. Make and accept calls when you are in safe surroundings. Thieves watch for those who are distracted and therefore easy to pounce on. It is extremely rare for a call to be an emergency, let the call wait while you secure yourself.

Do not leave goods on the seats. It is recommended that they be placed in the trunk. Although trunks are not safes, they hide the valuables from sight and therefore do not easily attract thieves. Remain very alert as you leave or approach your vehicle. As soon as you get into your vehicle, lock all doors. Criminals are very sneaky; sometimes they feign cell phone conversations as they try to intercept and rob you. Don’t rummage around for your keys when heading to your vehicle. Have them in your hand while walking.

SHOP IN GROUPS

Try to shop with another person or in groups. Clutch your handbag /purse/whatever carries your valuables. Pickpockets, purse snatchers, and purse slashers are always lurking around crowded areas. Limit your cash and protect your credit/debit cards. Always keep a keen eye on your card while doing transactions; do not allow anyone to walk out of sight to swipe your card. And, while entering your PIN, make certain that no one else can see it. Frequently look online to check for unauthorised transactions. And never conduct online payments while using a public or shared WiFi.

Modern-day bank robbers rarely use guns, they use computer keyboards. Do not respond to online messages that claim to be from financial institutions or represent some place from which you recently purchased an item or items. Scammers masquerade as genuine institutions and instruct you to verify, confirm, or update your information. They will wipe your bank account clean, and the genuine financial institution will not reimburse you for your loss.

Don’t advertise your jewellery to thieves, save displaying them for safe environments, and intimate circumstances. Don’t stick your cell phones in your back pocket or leave it partially submerged in your side pockets. Never forget that the thief’s job is to constantly target you, and it is your job to always be on your guard and thwart their best efforts. Always ask yourself… “what if?” Be prepared for anything.

Driving in Jamaica is becoming more and more harrowing every day. I know several people who quit driving because of the aggression, and scary things on our roads. This season is always very dangerous for road users. More crashes occur this time of the year. People drink alcohol and drive, and that adds to the madness. They break the rules and speed anywhere. To reduce your risk of becoming involved in crashes, try to limit your time spent driving and always drive defensively (tek weh yuself). Yield to the road hogs. Insisting on your right of way is never worth the damage to your vehicle, yourself and/or your passenger(s).

DESIGNATED DRIVER

People who plan to attend clubs, parties and/or entertainment events should consider going in a group. Your alcohol intake should be carefully monitored and choose a designated driver before leaving for the event. Never accept open bottles of drinks from anyone and never leave your drinks unattended. Don’t be too trusting, you can never know what someone else has in their mind.

Several respiratory viruses are going around, and these include the virus that causes COVID-19 infections. The pandemic is not currently in the emergency phase but it is always prudent to avoid places where there is too much crowding, especially if you are elderly and/or have pre-existing health conditions that may predispose you to severe infections. If you have an active ‘cold’, it is better to stay home. If you are coughing, always use a handkerchief or your elbow to reduce the spread of your respiratory droplets to others nearby. And use disposable tissues to blow your nose and discard them carefully. Hand sanitisation is always the safe way to go.

I was happy to see the Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang warning that “persons intent on committing crimes this Christmas … will be apprehended and face swift consequences for their actions”. And, Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay said, “the police will be highly visible throughout the country over the festive season to ensure the safety and security of citizens”. Please keep safe.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and garthrattray@gmail.com.