With year-end commercial activity already picking up across Linden and surrounding communities, the Guyana Police Force in Regional Division 10 has prepared a strengthened safety strategy aimed at managing holiday crowds for preventing crime and improving response times throughout the season.
Assistant Commissioner K. Simon outlined the division’s approach during a meeting with private-sector representatives, community leaders, and security partners at Lichas Hall on Tuesday. The session brought together the Linden Chamber of Commerce, the Cops and Faith Network, Community Policing Groups, and other stakeholders who typically see increased pressure during the holiday rush.
Businesses, transportation hubs, and riverfront areas are expected to be among the busiest spaces in the coming weeks, prompting the Police to deploy a mix of foot, mobile and marine patrols across the region. Simon said additional police booths will be positioned at high-traffic locations to help officers respond more quickly to incidents and reassure residents carrying out their holiday shopping. Traffic officers will also maintain a heightened presence, he noted, as increased travel, late shopping hours, and seasonal events tend to contribute to congestion and unsafe driving during the upcoming Christmas period. Intelligence-led operations will run parallel to routine patrols to target individuals and activities that pose risks to public safety.
The initiative, which forms part of the national Christmas Policing programme, began on November 15 and will continue until January 15, 2026. Simon highlighted that the holiday plan is being carried out in partnership with government agencies, NGOs, the Guyana Revenue Authority, and private security firms, as cooperation among these groups is essential to keeping communities safe. Stakeholders at the launch expressed optimism that the expanded police presence will help reduce incidents and support a more secure environment for shoppers, businesses and for residents preparing for the festive season.
