| Hakim Hayat |

IN LIGHT of the cases of missing or damaged fire hydrants reported by the Fire and Rescue Department in several areas of the country, the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) through its Neighbourhood Watch (PK) Unit stepped up its patrols to help combat the issue.

The Neighbourhood Watch Unit of the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Central Police Station together with members of the Kampong Burong Lepas Neighbourhood Watch recently visited three scrap yards in Kampong Kilanas that accept and purchase recyclable items such as scrap metals.

According to the RBPF, through the visits they shared more information on items believed to be stolen and also repercussions from the acceptance and purchase of such items.

The police also urged the scrap yard operators to be more aware and alert and take appropriate action if they encounter suspicious items or individuals attempting to sell scrap metal to their businesses.

The RBPF also urged the public to relay any information on any instances of vandalism or suspicious activities around fire hydrants through the police hotline at 993.

It was reported recently that 566 fire hydrants in the Brunei-Muara District were either stolen, damaged or vandalised, leading to losses amounting to over BND200,000 to the government.