Barbados Crop Over Festival’s twelve week calendar between May and August is celebrated with Cavalcades, Costume Band Launches, Parties and Calypso Tents. Personal security and safety are integral concerns for anyone leading an independent life. While we like to believe we are safe, the possibility of encountering a dangerous situation always exist.

There is no experience quite as traumatic as the occasion when our personal security and safety is threatened. Various life circumstances make us vulnerable to harm. Being prepared for such situations can often mean a difference between life and death.

The most important part of a personal security plan is use of common sense to avoid dangerous situations, becoming a victim or losing valuables.

►      Pickpocketing is one of the world’s most widespread crimes. While attending and enjoying Crop Over events be cognizant that a skilled pickpocket can steal just as much money from individuals as an armed attacker. The perpetrator’s sleight of hand robbery technique makes it a popular criminal practice at events where crowds congregate.

►      Counteract the possibility of theft. Always separate your money. Do not possess more cash than needed for one occasion. Keep separate in different pockets, or carry in a money belt/pouch under your shirt/top.

►      What you are not wearing cannot be stolen. Avoid sporting gaudy jewelry. Do not leave home with valuables you will not keep on your person, to avoid vehicle breaking and entry.

►      For individuals capturing party adventures photos and video are innovative ways to remember the good times. Ensure personal equipment, smart phones and tablets, are always kept close.

Event host/planners, reviewing perimeter security and safety procedures, should include the examination of required system capabilities. Where additional constructed stages for performers, use of pyrotechnics or other amenities are required a reputable insurance company should be consulted to ensure adequate coverage is provided. Need may be discovered for securing a different or entirely new risk.

Prior to making security adjustments consider enlisting a security specialist to assist with evaluation of the current system. Support may be provided with determining additional risks a host/planner was unaware of, thus eliminating costly security and safety breaches. Avoiding these common mistakes can greatly improve the result of an event’s security and safety process, providing an advantage in today’s increasingly savvy theft and crime tactics environment.