I don’t know about you, but I just don’t think “community” means the same thing it used to.

Do you even know your neighbours? I say this in the overall context of community safety and how we can make our communities safer.

Community safety is everyone’s business… and no, it’s not “faas yuh faas”, and you are not an “informa”.

All we need to ask ourselves is how can we make our communities safer.

Here are a few simple tips.

Sounds simple enough, but many people nowadays overlook this very important step. Wouldn’t it be nice if your neighbour could look out for you and report any suspicious activity around your home?

A well-maintained premises has fewer places for thieves to hide. Also encourage your neighbour to do the same. It helps to keep crime low and property value up.

A nasty yard attracts more than rats and mongoose.

In this age of Xbox, cable and Netflix you have little need to go outside. But you can’t see what’s happening in your yard, much less your community, from the living room. So go outside, take a walk and encourage the children to play and interact with each other — talk not text.

Social interaction with the wider community is not only a crime deterrent, but it also boosts community spirit.

Build a relationship with local police

Talk to your local superintendent of police and express your community’s desire to improve safety. Request that they make regular drives through the community every night if possible. Also, invite members of the security forces to community events.

Organise a neighbourhood watch

Come together and strategically look at your community as a whole, know the weak areas and seek to strengthen them. When criminals see a well-marked community with ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ signs they think twice before committing any crimes.

AK Robinson is a certified physical security professional /executive close protection officer and co-founder of Tactical Solutions.

email: Ak-robinson@hotmail.com