As the festive season begins, the police have reassured the public of their commitment to serve and protect communities across the country.

The Head of the Public Relations Division, Kauna Shikwambi, stressed that personal safety remains a top priority, urging members of the public to exercise extreme caution as activities increase during this period.

Deputy Commissioner Shikwambi said the police have heightened patrols across the country, including on roads, in suburbs, rural areas and shopping malls.

Shikwambi added that the enforcement of the Liquor Act is a key focus, encouraging responsible drinking to prevent crime and road accidents.

"Excessive intake of alcohol leads to many things: criminal elements, criminal activities. And I want particularly to urge or to appeal to the youth for moderate intake of alcohol and responsible conduct. Because what you want to avoid is you being a victim of crime because we know that alcohol can also cause vulnerability to crime. Much of the incidents that we're receiving are crime incidents; they somehow are alcohol-related."

She also warned the public against bribing police officers.  

Deputy Commissioner Shikwambi emphasised that safeguarding public safety is a shared responsibility and called on communities to work closely with the police to combat and prevent crime during the festive season.

"Homeowners, business owners – make sure that your home is safe; make sure that your properties are safe. Alert your police, your nearest police station, that you will be away so that we can continue with our heightened patrols and all our crime prevention operations. Patrols are also done at random because we cannot be static in one street, unfortunately, and hence we appeal to you to make sure that you are safe and your properties are also safe. So random patrols can then be conducted by the officers on the ground through the different areas, so it requires collective action."

She also cautioned guardians to closely monitor children around swimming pools and beaches.