KUALA LUMPUR – Police have reminded the public of some practical advice for those leaving their homes unattended during the festive season, including the use of an existing app.
The Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) app, an online tool designed to prevent crime by encouraging community cooperation in crime prevention, allows locals to act as the eyes and ears of law enforcement.
People planning to return to their home towns can now opt to fill out the “Balik Kampung” information form either at a police station or through the VSP app.
Hasbuhullah Muda, the chief of the police station in densely populated Setapak, told Scoop that the public could use the app to report any suspicious activities.
He said users could provide reports containing multimedia such as pictures, videos and GPS coordinates of the incident’s location.
Hasbuhullah emphasised the importance of securing homes when away, suggesting measures such as pausing daily deliveries to avoid indicating absences, regular lock checks, and participation in neighbourhood-watch programmes, particularly those involving police.
He stressed the necessity of providing a contact number to the local police station and informing them of one’s departure to ensure accessibility in case of emergencies or security concerns.
“Always remember to lock doors and windows when leaving the house, even if it is just for a short period. Before leaving, ensure all electrical, water and gas switches are turned off to minimise risks,” he advised.
Hasbuhullah further cautioned against leaving house keys in obvious places, suggesting secure hiding spots, or considering keyless entry systems for enhanced security.
He also highlighted the importance of keeping fences clear of potential intruder access points.
In February, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said VSP 2.0 had been enhanced to be more user-friendly and in line with current trends.
“The police force always ensures the safety of road users and their properties. VSP serves as a medium for comprehensive online information dissemination in crime-prevention efforts,” he said.
Razarudin said that VSP 2.0, being more user-friendly, facilitated communication between police and the community.
“We hope for the cooperation of the community in providing information related to crime during this Op Selamat period. Be the ‘eyes and ears’ for the police force.” – April 7, 2024