Despite active preventive efforts, thefts remain one of the most common types of crimes. Speaking about the crime situation in the Oktyabrsky district in 2026 and how to protect oneself from criminals is district police inspector of the Oktyabrsky District Executive Committee's Internal Affairs Department Stanislav Rusakovich.

According to the law enforcement officer, the range of items that criminals target is extremely broad: from garden watering hoses to large sums of money. The main motive for committing such acts remains the desire for easy gain.

"As a rule, those who embark on a criminal path are individuals who have no permanent source of income, lead an antisocial lifestyle, and abuse alcoholic beverages," explains the district police inspector. "Unfortunately, such people do not respect others' labor and property. For them, property left unattended is not a reason to walk past, but a 'gift of fate.'"

Thefts are highly diverse in nature: they include break-ins into apartments, stores, and warehouses, as well as pickpocketing and vehicle theft. One of the priority tasks of the internal affairs agencies remains prevention and outreach work with the public. However, the personal safety of citizens largely depends on their own vigilance.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime, the district police inspector recommends following elementary safety rules.

To protect your home:

— no "hiding spots": do not leave keys under the mat, in the mailbox, or on the electrical panel;

— reinforce the perimeter: keep latches and bolts in good working order. If possible, install grilles on windows, especially if you live on the first or top floor. When leaving home, always close windows, vents, and balcony doors.

— caution with strangers: do not rush to open the door if a "service worker" you did not call is at your doorstep. Always ask for identification and verify the information.

— instruct your children: strictly forbid children from opening the door to strangers, regardless of what pretext they use to try to get in.

— the appearance of being home: when going on vacation or a business trip, ask neighbors to collect your mail. An overflowing mailbox is a clear signal to a thief that the owners are not home.

— change the locks: if you lose your keys, immediately replace the locks on your front door.

To keep your vehicle safe:

— parking: try not to leave your car in courtyards or in unlit areas of the street.

— alarm system: even if you step away from the car for a couple of minutes, always set the alarm.

– nothing extra: don't leave phones, documents, or valuables in plain sight in the car – this provokes criminals.

– bicycles: don't leave them unattended and don't trust "random acquaintances."

Stanislav Rusakovich emphasizes: there are no unpickable locks. Criminals are constantly improving their skills, so the best way to secure your home today remains the installation of a security alarm.

You can submit a request for installation and connection of technical security means to the security department in the urban settlement of Oktyabrsky, Svetlogorsk department of the Security Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus at the address: urban settlement of Oktyabrsky, Dzerzhinsky Street, house 41.

Remember: your vigilance is the main barrier in the path of a criminal!

Olga YAKOVLEVA