Benepe said that doctors, knowing the worst that can happen, 'are going to be cautious; that's the nature of doctors'. 1 The New York Times Board members will have to be cautious that goals they adopt truly reflect community values. A strong sense of duty, genuine piety, and a cautious but by no means pusillanimous common-sense coloured every action of his patient, laborious and eventful life. 4 0 If her pulse were any. Cautious adj adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun-for example, 'a tall girl,' 'an interesting book,' 'a big house.' (careful) cauto, attento agg aggettivo: Descrive o specifica un sostantivo: 'Una persona fidata ' - 'Con un cacciavite piccolo ' - 'Questioni controverse '.

Inspector Stephen Griffith is asking Barbadians and visitors to take the necessary precautions while doing their shopping and other activities during the Christmas holidays, a time when criminals are more likely to target them.

Recently, the Crime Prevention Officer of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF), spoke to The Barbados Advocate giving crime prevention tips for the Yuletide season.

The law enforcement officer said that during this period, criminals will be looking for vulnerable individuals. With the local media reporting large crowds in Bridgetown and other shopping locations, the Inspector noted some behaviours are concerning.

Leaving items in cars

Shoppers who park their cars and visit stores are advised by Inspector Griffith that it is important not to leave their purchased goods in plain sight in their vehicles. He is encouraging shoppers to secure their bags and valuables and avoid making several trips to and from the car while shopping. The RBPF representative is stressing that alarms should be engaged and all windows and doors of the vehicles secured.

Secure keys, bag, cash

Inspector Griffith said that shoppers or persons moving through busy areas like Bridgetown should protect their valuables.

Keys and purses should not be easily accessible, bags should be closed and for the women, bag zips facing towards them and bags held close to the individual. An effort should also be made to limit the number of shopping bags one is carrying at any time. Griffith said a person with too many bags indicates that he or she is not in control of his or her movements.

He added with keys, this item should be in hand when returning to a vehicle or approaching the home. Griffith noted that some people in a rush to get to Bridgetown might leave their keys in the front door at home making their house an easy target for criminals.

Like the vehicle, Barbadians should make an effort to lock down all windows and doors before leaving home. The Inspector added that particularly during Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when many people will be at church or other social events, criminals will enter homes during this time. He suggested that homeowners tell their neighbours that they are going out so they can keep watch while they are gone or be aware of any suspicious activity.

Be Cautious

For persons coming home late, Inspector said that a light should be kept on so persons will be able to see their surroundings. He added that if returning from the supermarket late at night when arriving home put the meat in the freezer and secure other bags in the vehicle until morning or when it is brighter.

Be Cautious Of The Company You Keep

Use debit and credit cards, limit cash

The Crime Prevention Officer urged people to not walk around with large sums of cash, not to count cash at ATMs, or put all of their shopping money in one place. Alternatively, the use of debit and credit cards is encouraged and people should avoid ATMs that are isolated or not used frequently. For the females, limit multiple bags, wear clothing with pockets and everyone should avoid wearing expensive jewellery while shopping or travelling in unfamiliar areas.

Be vigilant at home too

Be Cautious For Nothing

Another important crime prevention tip from Inspector Griffith related to people doing house cleaning. He explained that smart criminals could observe an open window or door and while a person is cleaning the opposite side of the house, enter the home and steal items. People should avoid leaving bags and keys near unsecured windows eg. louvres.

He also emphasised the importance of not advertising new items in the home. Griffith noted that criminals would see the discarded boxes of new purchases or old appliances on the kerb as a sign that the homeowner has new items on the property.