National

Police: Don’t Drop Your Guard

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Royal Bahamas Police Force is urging residents and business owners to remain vigilant as Christmas approaches.

Published

4 weeks ago

December 12, 2025

Kendeno Knowles

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Police say the holiday rush is now in full swing, and with it comes an increase in distractions, crowded spaces, and criminals looking to take advantage of the season.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force is urging residents and business owners to remain vigilant as Christmas approaches. Police Press Liaison Chief Superintendent Sheria King says too many people let their guard down during the festive period, making themselves easy targets.

King is reminding the public to keep safety top of mind at all times, stressing that vigilance is key to ensuring everyone enjoys the holidays without incident.

From busy shopping centers to packed parking lots, police say criminals are paying close attention to people’s habits. King warns that even discarded packaging can make households targets for theft. She advises residents not to place boxes from expensive items such as televisions, gaming systems, laptops, or tablets in regular garbage bins. Instead, boxes should be disposed of in public dumpsters or torn into smaller pieces so their contents are not easily identifiable.

On the roads, police say holiday congestion is already contributing to an increase in traffic accidents. Traffic Division officers are urging drivers to stay focused behind the wheel and avoid using their phones while driving.

Assistant Superintendent Lakeisha Sawyer also warns that the party season brings an increase in drinking and driving. She is encouraging residents to drink responsibly, know their limits, and always have a designated driver when attending social events.

Meanwhile, officers in the Financial Crimes Unit say scammers are thriving during the holiday distraction. Assistant Superintendent Donald Rolle warns of a rise in “smishing” scams, where fraudsters send text messages posing as banks or financial institutions. He says residents should treat any message or call requesting personal or banking information as a red flag, noting that legitimate institutions do not request sensitive information by phone or text.

Rolle also cautions that scammers may use unsuspecting individuals’ bank accounts to move stolen funds, unknowingly drawing victims into money-laundering schemes.

Businesses are also being advised to tighten security during the busy season. Inspector Gerard Culmer says measures such as proper staff vetting, secure bank deposits, and visible in-store security can help reduce risk. He also urges both customers and business owners to be mindful when using ATMs, recommending daytime visits at well-lit, high-traffic locations such as gas stations.

At home, police are reminding residents to pay close attention to holiday decorations, electrical lights, and cooking activities, as simple oversights can quickly turn into serious safety hazards.

Police say holiday operations are now underway and additional safety advisories will continue to be released as Christmas draws closer.