Seychelles Police launches its operation plan for the festive season   |16 December 2022

Supt. Desnousse flanked by ASP Doude and Supt Antoine during the press conference

This year the Seychelles Police waited until mid of the month of December to launch its operation plan for the festive season. This festive season is one without any restriction and the Seychelles Police is aware that the public will be out there partying and shopping.

This was announced yesterday by Superintendent Antoine Desnousse, Head of Visible Policing, Superintendent Jeffrey Antoine, Head of Detective Service and ASP Georcelin Doude, Head of Traffic in a press meet at the police headquarters.

Usually the Seychelles Police deploys more officers during the festive season and this year they gave their officers some more time as during the festive season they cannot take days off.

As of yesterday, the public would have noticed the presence of more officers.

“During the festive season, we expect 30,000 to 35,000 people to flock in town. Lari Bazar will be completely closed for motorists except for loading and unloading of materials in the morning and evening. This will allow people to roam around safely and do their shopping. We will be focusing on crowded places.”

The same plan will be deployed on Praslin and La Digue. “We also urge the tourism establishments on La Digue to advise their clients to hire a guide whenever they want to go on a trail. During this time we do not want people to get lost. If there is a demand from the two islands, we will move our officers to attend to the situation.”

Consuming alcohol in public is illegal and the police will not be lenient about it. “Do not park your cars and make the parking area a discotheque.”

Regarding harassment from certain persons asking for money, SP Desnousse said that the police will also look into these and take actions whenever it is necessary. “If there is need for arrests, we will do it as we want people to do their shopping peacefully. Already actions are being taken against some of these people.”

Safety at home and around religious places

SP Desnousse noted that during the time of masses, there will be officers patrolling the areas and making sure that everything run smoothly.

Even for this coming week-end where there will be final of the World Cup, precautions have been taken so that there are enough officers around.

The public is being asked to secure their personal items and houses. “It is important to let at least one person in your family know about your whereabouts so that they do not get worried. The public is urged to respect the law, even the police will be lenient in some cases but will not tolerate disrespect and violence.

Presence of detective service

Superintendent Jeffrey Antoine, Head of Detective Service, shared that his department will make sure that there is enough men to deal with any arrests or registered case. “In all regions, there are CID officers and they will be available. There will also be a backup team in the case of emergency. During shopping time, many people do leave their bags or mobile phones in the shops and then come to report as stolen goods. The public is advised to be very attentive and if they are bringing children with them, to make sure they hold their children close to them.”

SP Antoine also warned the parents to please check their children’s phones and tablets and see what they are watching. “Do take control on what they are doing on their devices. Do not also buy second hand materials from a non-licensed seller. Please do inform the police or your neighbour if there is anybody suspicious in your neighbourhood,” advised SP Antoine.

Traffic management

ASP Georcelin Doude, Head of Traffic, advised the public to designate a driver that can drive them around if they know they will be partying around. “The laws will be applicable at all times and if someone is caught drinking and driving or drunk, he will be sanctioned,” stressed ASP Doude.

He also spoke about the new road at Providence that is being operational and people are advised to use this new road to go in and out Providence using the lane on the highway.

Speeding on the streets will not be tolerated.

Seychelles Police urges each and every one to take their own responsibility wherever they are – on the streets, partying or even at the beach. Take care of your stuff and respect your neighbour. They wish the population a merry Christmas and a happy new year. “There are a few days left and we do not want people to suffer. The police will do their part but the public has to take their responsibility also. Your security is paramount. We thank all the Seychelles Police for their dedicated efforts during the year and wish them also a good end of the year,” concluded SP Desnousse.

Text and Photo: Vidya Gappy