The Upper East Regional Police Commander DCOP Simon Afeku has appealed to residents of the Upper East region to hand over persons caught in crime to the police for an action to be taken instead of meting out instant justice on them.
The Upper East region in recent times has been inundated with violent attacks visited on residents by criminals and snatching of motor bikes especially during late hours of the day. The situation has angered many residents who have resolved to mete out instant justice to persons caught stealing by lynching them.
The latest incident was the killing of a man in his late twenties two weeks ago in the central business district of Bolgatanga when luck run out on him after snatching a motor bike from a resident.
But speaking exclusively to a1radioonline.com, Upper East regional police commander DCOP Simon Afeku said the yuletide season comes with its attendant problems which includes a relative increase in acts of crime. He noted that criminally minded persons will want to cash in during the yuletide and hence the need for residents to be cautious, vigilante and take their personal security seriously.
He however sounded a word of caution to residents to avoid lynching persons caught stealing but rather hand them over to the police for necessary action.
“In supporting us, nobody should take the laws into his hands. We know that this is the time there is some relative increase in criminal activities like stealing, snatching of motor bikes and fraud activities. If you arrest a criminal don’t apply that lynching or mob action in dealing with that criminal. You are just doing your work by assisting to arrest that criminal. Do hand him over to the police for the police to deal with” he said.
DCOP Afeku added that in as much as the police are employing all available legitimate means and resources to protect lives and property during the Christmas season, it is incumbent on residents to ensure personal safety by avoiding the keeping and exposing of large sums of money and valuables.
According to him, avoiding the use of obscure routes especially during late hours and being weary of close associates such as drivers and house maids is significant for ensuring personal safety and security.
He advised that “don’t let us provide the opportunity to greedy criminals to be able to carry out their trade. Let’s ensure a high level of personal security”
By: Azongo Albert | A1RADIOONLINE.com | GHANA
