(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

The Israel Police has completed the preparations for the maintenance of security and public order for Pesach 5768 – 2018. In the context of situational prevention and public safety, the Israel Police publishes recommendations to Israeli citizens, especially the hikers, drivers and those busy cleaning for Yomtov.

The Israel Police is currently completing its preparations for Pesach, during which the masses will be visiting parks, holy sites, beaches and various entertainment areas throughout the country.

The aim of the increased police deployment is to ensure that every Israeli citizen can travel and celebrate Pesach in safely. Israel Police stands prepared to provide the required response anywhere in Israel with air, land and sea forces, including rescue units throughout the country.

As part of the overall deployment of the Israel Police, the level of operational alertness and thousands of policemen, Border Police and volunteers will be spread throughout the Yomtov in the various entertainment centers and areas of large congregation. In this context, the Israel Police will continue to enforce public order as well as acting to enforce, prevent and investigate offenses and crime of any kind. This applies to traffic enforcement as well on the main arteries of interurban routes as well as in within cities.

Even before Yomtov, there is increased activity to locate illegal PA (Palestinian Authority) residents in general, and the perpetrators of crime that help them enter Israel in particular (such as transporters and employers). Thus, for example, in Operation Biur Chametz, a special national operation was held in recent days with the participation of thousands of border police, police and volunteers throughout the country, about 468 illegal residents were arrested and detained, 17 suspected of illegally staying illegally, 8 were suspected of employing them, And 14 detainees suspected of involvement in terrorist activity. These activities are carried out regularly by the police throughout the year, and even before the holiday, in order to preserve the safety, well-being and property of all Israeli citizens.

On Seder evening there is a high potential for burglaries due to the absence of families who went out to celebrate Pesach.

Israel Police is constantly working openly as well as behind the scenes, including efforts to protest the property of Israeli citizens, preventing burglary and theft, and returning stolen property to its owners. Due to determined actions by the Israel Police against property offenders, there has been a 26% drop in the number of cases involving burglaries and car theft in Israel over the past five years. On the other hand, in the last year (2017), there was a 20% increase in the rate of indictments filed against burglars and property offenders (in relation to 2016).

Anyone leaving home for an extended period of time during Yomtov is advised to take the following steps”

🔹It is recommended to keep the light on in a number of rooms inside the house and leave the garden lighting on at night.

🔹 Do not leave keys in “familiar” locations such as: electrical cabinet, flowerpot or under the entrance carpet.

🔹 You should leave a radio on inside the house that simulates the presence of people (not at a volume that may disturb neighbors).

🔹In the event of a long trip – it is recommended to update close neighbors about your long stay outside the house in order to keep an eye open, and to leave contact routes if necessary.

🔹 It is advisable to use a nearby neighbor to collect letters / newspapers that pile up at the entrance and may indicate your long absence.

🔹If you choose to publicly share your experiences and photos on a real-time vacation with social networks, you may want to set the viewing capabilities of these shares only to friends, and in any case avoid a public announcement about a long absence from home.

Police urge the public not to hesitate to report anything suspicious to the ‘100’ emergency dispatcher.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)