The Finder’s investigations revealed that despite the widespread belief that people resort to criminal activities due to harsh economic crisis, the situation is entirely different in the Greater Accra Region.

The investigations revealed that though prices of goods and services are increasingly skyrocketing and putting undue pressure on families and individuals within the region, there has not been any surge in criminal activities in the region.

Speaking to the Accra Regional Police Commander about the issue, Deputy Commissioner of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno, he said criminal activities have not gotten out of hand.

According to him, over the last ten days in the region, only one pastor-led armed robbery case was reported and some criminals who had undertaken some robberies in Tarkwa were arrested in Accra.

When asked what measures the regional command was putting in place to forestall any possible criminal uprising, DCOP Yohuno stated that the police administration was strengthening its visibility, snap and patrol checks.

He noted that more police personnel were being deployed to remote areas in the region suspected to be used by criminals as hideouts and operation centres.

DCOP Yohuno advised the general public to be vigilant and take issues of security seriously. He pointed out that some homes in the name of modernity were taking security issues for granted in the overall construction of their homes. According to him, in some cases, the main gates to some of the homes are not well fortified.

“Are they baiting the criminals?” he asked.

He advised that homeowners should go for the best, but should not sacrifice security issues in the process.

DCOP Yohuno warned all potential and aspiring criminals to look for other professions, than resorting to crime under the excuse of harsh times. “Harsh economic conditions will never be used as a defence in court,” he added.

He advised the public to call the police on the following lines to report suspicious behaviours in their neighbourhoods and in cases of emergency - 0302773906, 18555 MTN and Vodafone toll free lines.