From RCIPS

In anticipation of the upcoming Easter holidays, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) is reminding the public of some safety steps that can be taken to protect themselves and their property over this long weekend, whether you will be camping away from home or enjoying other festivities during the period.

Camping is an Easter tradition in the Cayman Islands and this means that many people will be leaving their residences unoccupied for the long weekend. Unfortunately, this may present an opportunity for criminals to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of your homes. Below are some tips to consider when preparing to leave home:

• Be sure to properly lock and secure your premises before going camping.
• Be sure to leave lights on inside and outside the property. If you possess light timers, it is best to have these set up for this weekend.
• Consider storing valuable items within interior rooms in the residence, and locking these doors. This will make it harder for would-be thieves to access these items.
• Clear any shrubbery, tools and other such items from your yard, so as not to provide burglars with tools they can use to gain entry or conceal themselves from detection.
• If you have neighbours who will not be camping, consider asking them to keep an eye on your property for you. Alternatively, if you have other family members who are not camping, ask them to come by and check your property a few times over the weekend.
• Consider leaving the campsite occasionally and making checks on your property. 

There are also some safety tips that should be given consideration while you are out camping and enjoying other activities over the holiday weekend: 

• Be sure to secure your belongings when camping. Do not leave valuable items lying around unattended, especially where they can be viewed from outside the tent. Keep an eye on your valuables at all times.
• Pay very close attention to your children for their safety, whether camping or during other public gatherings. 
• Use the buddy system and ensure that someone knows where you are at all times.
• While camping, it is also important to follow all relevant laws. Specifically, you are advised not to trespass on private property and refrain from using any beach equipment that does not belong to you. 
• Ensure that you keep your mobile phones charged and in good condition at all times so that in the event of an emergency you are able to call for help. 
• Be sure not to drink and drive, but to exercise caution on our roadways and follow the traffic law while travelling. 
• Identify a responsible person(s) at each campsite to take lead on any incidents that may occur. 
• Ensure that your campsites are acting in accordance with the Town and Community Laws. This includes no loud music or noises to cause a nuisance to nearby communities. 
• Ensure that you obey the National Conservation Laws, observing season closures and limits. 

“Our officers are well briefed in regards to the possibilities of the long weekend,” says Acting Superintendent Brad Ebanks in charge of Uniform and Specialist Operations with the RCIPS, “We will be working to ensure the safety of our campers, beachgoers, road users and residents foremost, and we are asking the public to do their part as well to help us keep you and your property safe. Let us work together to ensure that the long weekend can be enjoyed without mishaps and tragedies.”