The holiday season, despite being one of the most festive and most loved seasons during the year, also happens to be that season when crime rate seems to be peaking. It's primarily because during this time, most people who do not have the money to purchase anything for this season become desperate to get some money, even if it is through illegal ways. Thus it becomes unsurprising to see a surge in petty crimes like theft, pickpocketing, and such.
The Dominican Republic is no exception to this global trend. Every single day leading to the season is an increase in the very same petty crimes. It's becoming the norm already, actually.
As a response, the National Police said that it will be deploying 15,000 officers to patrol the streets of the country during the holiday season. More and more people also flock to the streets to use the extra money that they have, so security, as I have already mentioned above, becomes top priority.
Last December 1, the National Police Chief Rafael Guillermo Guzman Fermin launched the General Prevention Plan 2009-2010 at the National Police headquarters. The plan involves the Police, AMET, the Scientific Police, School Police and special police in preventing the continuous proliferation of crime during the season. It will take effect until January 10.
But more than the increased deployment of police officers this season, it is also important to become vigilang with your surroundings and know whom to trust. I suggest that you don't a lot of money with you, because cash is always an instant attraction to these petty thieves.
But in case you are already put to a tight situation, like being robbed, then there's no better option than to give your money. There have been cases before where the person tried to fight the robber back but, in the end, lost his/her life because of the struggle. Never attempt to do this and risk your life. Life is always more important the just wealth.
