KUANTAN: Members of the public are advised to inform the nearest police station before travelling outstation for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays so that their homes can be monitored in their absence.
They can manually fill in the 'balik kampung' forms available at the nearest police stations or register their information online via the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) mobile application.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman advised the public to make an effort to alert the authorities to facilitate patrolling activities.
"The information is vital for police to step up monitoring and patrols when the house owners are away.
"We advise the public to fill the forms distributed by the department or via VSP to help prevent break-ins.
"Police will work closely with the neighbourhood watch areas in Pahang to enhance home safety during the festive season and reduce crime within the community," he told reporters after a crime prevention walkabout at the Mahkota Square Ramadan Bazaar here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Kuantan police chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said last year, there were no burglary cases reported in residential areas where owners had informed the authorities before returning to their hometowns for Raya.
"Last year, 250 forms were distributed and there were no break-ins reported after the owners returned home. Cooperation from house owners will help police coordinate our patrols during the festive season.
"The presence of the police's mobile patrol vehicle and motorcycle patrol unit in residential areas will help ensure safety of properties and increase public confidence," he said after a crime prevention campaign at Dataran Sekilau Ramadan Bazaar here yesterday,
Wan Zahari said police had been visiting Ramadan bazaars here to distribute the "balik kampung" forms and keep the public informed on safety measures taken by the authorities.
The VSP application can be downloaded via Google Play store and App store.
