The Moto Bandits are back in Hann Maristes. From time to time there are reports of men on scooters/motorcycles who drive by and snatch bags from pedestrians. They are out there day and night and they are bold enough to strike a man, or a group even when a man is in the group. At least one DA parent had a bag stolen in the past week.
We are at a heightened risk now leading up to Tabaski but we do expect this problem to continue from time to time. Some of you who live in the area may want to consider a neighbourhood watch type of program where adults are patrolling to keep an eye out for the bandits. A staff member saw the thieves waiting near the school after handball last weekend and when he pointed at them they left. He then took it upon himself to patrol the area between the school and Sandcastle, on his quad, until he thought DA people had gotten home.
If you or your children must walk, please stay as far in on the sidewalk as you can. Carry any bags on your inside shoulder and be aware of your surroundings. We encourage dads to walk home with their sons/daughters, especially at night after the handball games. We also suggest you not carry more valuables and identity papers than are absolutely necessary.
We are thankful for the security team we have at Dakar Academy! They are very protective of our students but please remember their primary responsibility is their assigned post on the school grounds. They cannot watch what is happening on campus and on the streets outside the walls of DA at the same time. We do not want them to feel a responsibility to leave to provide security off campus; this will compromise security at the school so they have been asked not to leave their post.
We do not want to scare our students but we want you all to be aware and vigilant. Your safety is our main concern.