Why organisers of Christmas events must protect attendees

The Christmas period has undoubtedly been problematic for the general public since criminals see this periods as a chance to make money for themselves.

It is on this ground that I write to highlight and advise citizens and all event organisers on the need to have their event risks/security threats assessment right to augment the general public security awareness plan activated by the security architecture of the state to ensure peaceful Christmas celebration.

This advice has become imperative since many event organisers over the years have overlooked the need to ensure effective and efficient risks/security threats assessment and its implementation to protect individuals who attend their programmes.

Though the likelihood of some of these risks/security threats over the years have been  with minor impact, this should not make us lower our defence since those who perpetrate these offences typically operate in an element of surprise, hence ‘the devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know.’

In fact, this notion of ‘nothing will happen’ by these organisers must be defused to avoid any unexpected contingencies with a huge negative effect, during public events this Christmas. Failure to do so can put a large number of people’s life into danger amid the raging terrorism threat.Let me state on record that in every single event, there is an inherent level of risk/security threats, no matter how well you put things in place.

Nevertheless, with comprehensive event risks/security threats assessment plan, organisers can work to identify all potential threats- eliminate those they can, mitigate those they can’t, and put strategic plans in place to minimize the chance of harm to people and property should the unexpected happen.

Apart from the many security threats such as terrorism, violence, theft, or armed robbery that can occur at public events such as church crusades or conventions- open or enclosed, street carnivals or concerts, Beach Bash Music Fest, club, sport events, it is also important for organisers of events to ensure proper crowd control measures, fire and weather hazard safety measures with the assistance of the state security agencies.

Having made my point clear on that, let me seize this opportunity to also advise individuals to be on high personal security alert. They should make sure their doors and windows are well closed with proper lighting systems outside the house to deter criminals as they attend functions. They should avoid keeping access keys under blocks outside the house to aviod easy access by criminals. If possible, individual citizens can print sticker flyers of ‘beware of dogs’ and ‘house under CCTV monitoring’ and put them on their walls or gates as deterring strategy against criminals.

Furthermore, individual citizens must trust and obey their instincts or intuitions to ensure maximum protection in any functions they find themselves. Attending events in groups and watching the foods and drinks being offered or purchased at the event are very crucial to avoid being poisoned.

Citizens should take a critical look at the vehicles they board and give their full cooperation in case they are ambushed by armed robbers, to avoid losing their life in an attempt to challenge or struggle with them.

By Anthony Acquaye ( PhD)

The author is  a Security Policy Expect,  Centre for Security Dialogue, and Peace Advocacy (CSDPA)