This is what the MPF promises, especially in these times of covid. The weekend has already begun and now it’s time for the public holidays and extra days off that may last until next weekend. Inspector Siva Soopramanien Coothen promises that all divisions have been deployed and that everyone will be uncompromising.
All divisions assembled
CID, SSU, SMF, DSU, ERS, ERS Trasnport Squad, Traffic Branch, ADSU, Helicopter Squad… and even the various Neighbourhood Watch in the various neighbourhoods, they will be the various patrols that have been criss-crossing the country since Friday 29 evening to ensure security, to see to it that things are running smoothly but also to serve the necessary fines to these burglars and criminals
“We are acting on the note of caution. Public holidays do not mean the cessation of all operations. The big shops, financial centres, money changers, ATMs, petrol stations etc. remain operational and some clever people could take advantage of this to storm them. We also offer free armed escorts to any business that wants them, just contact us,” says the inspector.
Alcohol tests, patrols and interventions
Apart from these services, such as on holidays, All Saints’ Day/Halloween, the arrival of hired workers, Divali and the Wednesday and Friday extras, breath testing caravans are already set up on the various coastal roads and mobile units all over the island. “There are no more hot spots to be spotted, they will be everywhere, beware of those who take the risk” warns the inspector. Residential areas in general are being monitored and “this operation involves the various neighbourhood watch groups and patrols. Many people are leaving their homes at this time. We are appealing to everyone to be less individualistic and to contact 148 anonymously or 999 to report any suspected burglary or crime or suspicious people visiting their respective areas. The fire brigade will remain available for the Divali festival,” says Inspector Siva Coothen.
Fines without concessions
Deserving ones will be sanctioned ! The most topical ones, i.e. the barrier gestures, will remain unchanged. Wearing a mask indoors and outdoors where social distance cannot be maintained is mandatory and even with a Health Pass. Gatherings and picnics on beaches or public gardens remain limited to 30 people. Since last September, the police have served 3392 fines of Rs 2000 each for not wearing a mask and 13600 fines since last March, most of them under the fixed penalty of Rs 500,000 and 5 years imprisonment, introduced by the health protocols!
