Security firm tips Kenyans on safety during Christmas

Kenyans should be wary of criminal gangs that take advantage of the merry-making during the festive period to wreak havoc on lives and property, the chief executive officer of a local security firm has warned.

Securex chief executive officer, Tony Sahni, said crimes such as carjacking and highway robberies increase during festivities, posing a threat to businesses and homes.

Mr Sahni adds that the crimes have already gone high in areas along Nairobi-Nakuru highway like Gilgil and Naivasha while organised crime is on the rise in Mumias, Mombasa and Mandera.

Thika is experiencing a spike in drugging of revellers in bars.

“Historically speaking, certain crime patterns tend to rear their ugly heads over and over each holiday season. In fact, in the build-up to this holiday season, we have already seen some of these trends taking shape across the country,” Mr Sahni says.

He warns motorists to be wary of people who motion you to stop as though there is a mechanical fault with the car, hitting your car from behind and feigning mechanical trouble with their own vehicle pretending to be in need of your help.

Mr Shani has warned parents to monitor their children’s movements and ensure they do not accept gifts from strangers and enter vehicles or houses they do not know.

“When out and about, teach them the concept of ‘safe strangers’ like a security guard in uniform or a mom with kids. Most importantly, if they are in a situation that makes them uncomfortable, they should yell and get away,” he says.

Police have in the past warned of increase in crime across the country over the festive periods as criminal gangs take advantage of the season.

Data by police shows that burglary, theft, armed robbery, rape, kidnapping, drug dealing, theft of motor vehicles, mugging, break-in and murder are the most prevalent crimes during the April and December holidays.