He urged all residents of Barbados, and particularly elderly persons who live alone, to ensure that their homes were properly secured at all times.

While noting that Barbados, like the rest of the world, was in recession and this could give rise to criminal activity, he advised householders to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their properties.

While observing that there has been a gradual decrease in neighbourhood watches, persons should still be conscious of who their neighbours were, especially when they were elderly.

Bushell advised all residents to report all suspicious activity in their area to the police by calling 211. BARP also told visitors to Barbados they too should be cognisant that even though the island is a paradise, they "should not throw caution to the wind".

"Be vigilant at all times as [you] would be at home and secure [your] property while here on holiday," Bushell added.

 BARP complimented Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite for his "proactive approach to assure the Barbadian public and visitors that the Government [had] put measures in place to address this issue".

Story taken from the 2011-08-09 edition of Barbados Today -  http://news.barbadostoday.bb/barticlenew.php?ptitle=Citizens%20urged%20to%20be%20vigilant&article=9205

Additional coverage of the President's statements : Nation News -  http://www.nationnews.com/index.php/articles/view/barp-concerned-about-crime/

The Bajan Reporter -  http://bajanreporter.com/barps-president-delivers-sharp-message-about-barbados-current-spate-of-crime/