La Savanne: -- The Gendarmes have launched their summer surveillance program for the second year on Thursday. Captain Loic Baras, Commandant Stephanne Arrousseau and Chef of the Territorial Police Flavien Bazile told reporters at a press conference on Thursday that the program which was conducted last year for the first time will be done this year in collaboration with the Territorial Police.
Residents residing on the French side of the island can pick up a form at the Gendarmes head office in La Savanne or at the office of the Police Territorial in Marigot. The forms must be filled out and returned to the said locations. The forms will be available up to the end of August even though the surveillance would take place until mid September.
The gendarmes along with the territorial police would then begin surveillance of the homes of persons who are on vacation to avoid break ins. Captain Loic Barras said the program which kicked off last year on St. Martin was extremely successful since they only had one break in last year. The chief of the gendarmerie is urging the general public to make use of the services that are offered by the two security services on the island.
Residents planning to leave the island are urged to properly close their doors and windows even if they plan to leave their house for a short period during the day. Already the gendarmes have recorded 357 break ins and robberies for the year.
Persons who are leaving the island should not leave notes on their doors or on their answering machines it is advised that the call transfer service be used. Keys should not be left under the mat as the burglars know how to find them. Persons leaving the island should notify their neighbors of their absence, the gendarmes and Territorial Police. The gendarmes are also asking persons who are leaving the island to leave a phone number or contact address with them or your neighbors in case of an emergency. When leaving your home you are advised to take all important documents and valuables out of your house and put them in a safe at one of the banks. If possible take photographs of the furniture in the house before leaving and leave with the valuables.
In the meantime the gendarmes are calling on all members of the community to use their vigilance in their neighborhood. They said residents should not hesitate to call them via the “17” in case they see any suspicious person or vehicles in the neighborhood.
