The Police Force launched its 2012 holiday season project, "Operation Vigilance 2012" on Thursday, November 15. This operation will continue into 2013 and will focus on safety.

 

The cruise season has begun, the mega-yachts are arriving and more flights are landing in St. Maarten, a press release from police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson noted, adding that this holiday season promises to be a very busy one and it will be another major challenge for the police in combating criminality.

 

The police management and Community Police Officers (CPOs) have held meetings with the Immigration and Naturalisation Department, Customs, Voluntary Corps VKS, Fire Department, Control Unit, Ambulance Department, Ministry of Infrastructure VROMI and other stakeholders such as the Indian Merchants Association (IMA), Chinese Association and taxi and bus drivers' associations to discuss issues such as crime, public order and safety.

 

The police will be assisted by VKS, Control Unit and Customs officers for an increase in manpower. There will be an increase in police patrols on foot, on bicycle and in cars in Philipsburg and surrounding areas, Simpson Bay, Maho Reef, Lowlands and surrounding areas, and other areas tourists frequently visit.

 

There also will be an increase in police patrols in residential areas during the day and at night, the press release said.

 

Road and street closures, traffic diversions and other traffic measures will be taken, depending on how busy these areas become. The goals of this project are to reduce the number of armed robberies, chain snatchings and business and home break-ins.

 

There will be many traffic controls as well. All drivers should carry their valid drivers' licences with them at all times and should have all documents for their vehicles in order. Everyone should carry proper identification to avoid unnecessary inconvenience, the press release concluded.