The 2015Gallup Global Law and Order Report ranked Rwanda the number one country in Africa and fifth globally where people feel safe walking alone at night.

This milestone has been the result of concerted efforts of security agencies and the public. Community policing has been one of the most successful security strategies across the country, and has increased public trust in security agencies.

However, despite the high level of security, during the festive season, crime rates tend to increase.

While the security situation is very good, we should not take it for granted, especially during the festive season.  Every person should take precautionary measures to ensure their safety and that of their property.

Many people are planning to spend the festive season with their loved ones in the countryside while others will go on holiday inside and outside the country.

As you make these travel plans, you should not let our guard down when it comes to ensuring safety of your property at home and your personal safety away from home.

Before you travel make sure your home is secured. It is not enough to just close your home’s door and travel. Leave someone at home to keep it or seek the services of a security guard for the days you will be away.  Although security agencies will be at hand to maintain the high level of safety around the country, the responsibility to ensure your safety starts with us, individually.

On many occasions police has recovered stolen home items and returned them to rightful owners, but this would be checked if we focused on precautionary measures to safeguard personal property.

Community policing strategies like night patrols should be enhanced during the festive season in communities.