THE Zambia Police Service has advised members of the public to remain security conscious during the Easter period, saying it’s during this time that people take advantage and commit crimes.

In a statement, Thursday, Inspector General of Police Lemmy Kajoba advised citizens to secure their homes as they go out for holidays and also to remain security conscious by not moving alone at night.

He directed Commanding officers to ensure enough officers were deployed in communities and residential areas to ensure that patrols were conducted in a bid to fight crime.

“As we approach the Easter Holiday, Zambia Police Service wishes to appeal to members of the public to remain security conscious. We expect a number of activities within our communities, residential areas and people travelling out for holidays among others. It is during this period that people take advantage and commit crime. As Zambia Police Service, we advise members of [the] public to remain security conscious. For those in Commercial and business communities, they should not keep large sums of cash with them, instead utilize the Automated teller machines for transactions, Agency and mobile services. For those in residential areas, secure your homes as you go out for holidays and those going for religious overnight activities, remain security conscious by not moving alone in the night,” stated Kajoba.

“To the motorists and other road users, obey road traffic rules and regulations and avoid drinking alcohol whilst driving. I have directed the Commanding officers to ensure enough officers are deployed in communities and residential areas to ensure that both foot and motorised patrols are conducted in a bid to fight crime. To ensure sanity on the roads, we have teamed up with the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to enhance motorised patrols and speed management activities such as speed traps. We as the Zambia Police Service are committed to ensure that your safety and security is well maintained as our mandate is that of maintaining law and order and providing security to all persons. The Zambia Police wishes you a happy crime free Easter Holiday.”

Meanwhile, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has urged all road users to be cautious and strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations to avoid road traffic crashes.

“With the increase in traffic on the Zambian road network during the Easter holiday, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has urged all road users to be cautious and strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations to avoid road traffic crashes. In his Easter holiday message to road users, RTSA Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Gladwell Banda has urged motorists to plan their trips, drive with caution and be courteous to other road users. Mr. Banda said road traffic crashes are prominent during holidays and therefore, the call for all road users to act responsibly to avoid death and injuries on the roads. Mr. Banda has assured the nation that appropriate measures are being taken to ensure the safety of all road users during and after the Easter holiday. He said the RTSA has deployed adequate traffic law enforcement officers along the major highways in all parts of the country,” read a statement issued by RTSA Head of Public Relations Fredrick Mubanga.