Overall for the month of September, in Liberia, there was a noted decline in cases of residential armed robberies in the greater Monrovia area; however, cases of petty street crimes were noted during the month.

Allow me to share you some tips, as per advice from our colleagues at the security officers.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS:

Avoid Openly displaying UN IDs – UN IDs or neck pouch wallets whilst outside of UN Compounds – This draws attention to the fact that one is a UN employee (perceived as a lucrative target). Secure your ID and neck pouch/ID holders outside of UN compounds. It has been noted that a UN staff has been seen as “a walking piggy-bank”.

Dry Season/Good Beach Weather – With the rainy season approaching its end in end of October, more staff members will be enjoying the beach areas. It is important the each one to note, that these areas can also be high risk areas for petty crime, especially in areas outside of the secured beach locations. Avoid walking/jogging alone along the stretches of beach. In Monrovia, this includes the beach area outside of Star Base where previous incidents of armed robberies and petty thefts have been reported. Whenever possible, staff members should plan their activities at the beach in the company of others as there is always security in numbers.

Emerging – Street Crime Tactics – Theft Whilst Exiting Vehicles – In tracking September crime reports, street criminals are targeting victims whilst exiting their vehicles whilst parking along the streets. Try to select shops and restaurants which offer secure parking or maintains security outside its premises. If no secure parking, try to avoid shopping during the hours of darkness. As a reminder, whilst making entry into residential compounds with security gates, check the area prior to making entry in case suspect persons are loitering around your gate area. Coordinate your arrival time with your local residential security guards in order to have the gate open as soon as possible in order to avoid sitting outside the gate beeping your horn and drawing attention to yourself.

Secure High Value Items whilst on the Street – Petty street criminals will grab cell phones, purses, bags, laptop bags, ipods, and other high value items. Usually, the suspect works with a group. One will do the grab and quickly pass the item off to another and usually the suspects will hit the victim at an intersection or open area which offers a quick escape. Staff members should try to avoid walking with high value items openly. Purse and bags should be held in a secure matter. If you do have to walk from your transportation drop off point, try to coordinate with your family, friends or employed residential security guards to have someone meet you and walk with you to your residence.

Hope by sharing the security tips above, would familiarize ourselves and introduce better awareness, especially for new arrival staffs and those of you aiming to join/apply peace operations jobs.

From the coast of Monrovia, in West Africa… wishing you to stay safe and peace!