CID Boss Warns Public to Stay Alert as Police Intensify Fight against Cyber and Highway Crime
The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, has urged the public to heighten their vigilance against cybercrime and other forms of criminal activity, particularly those carried out online and along major highways.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, January 29, COP Donkor highlighted two major breakthroughs achieved through intelligence-led policing. She disclosed that the Police Service had arrested seven suspects in connection with a highway robbery involving a member of the Council of State, as well as five other suspects linked to a separate robbery incident at Nkasem.
Using the occasion to address growing security concerns, the CID Director-General cautioned the public about the increasing sophistication of cyber-related crimes. She advised citizens to exercise extreme caution when using digital and social media platforms, stressing the importance of protecting personal and financial information.
COP Donkor urged the public to be wary of unsolicited messages, phone calls, or online requests that seek sensitive details, noting that such approaches are often used by cybercriminals to defraud unsuspecting victims. She emphasized that staying alert online is now just as important as physical security.
Turning attention to highway safety, the CID boss advised motorists to remain alert at all times, especially when travelling at night or through isolated areas. She issued a specific warning to individuals involved in the buying and selling of vehicles, urging them to exercise caution when approached by potential buyers under suspicious circumstances.
She further encouraged drivers to adopt basic safety measures, including ensuring that vehicles are properly secured, avoiding the picking up of unknown persons, and being cautious when responding to distress signals that may be deliberately staged by criminals.
COP Donkor also called on the public to adopt general safety habits in their daily lives, such as staying alert in crowded places and informing trusted persons of their movements. She stressed that any suspicious activity should be reported promptly to the nearest police station.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the CID Director-General commended officers across the country for their professionalism and dedication in protecting lives and property. She also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing credible information and thanked the media for their continued support in promoting public safety and accountability.
