The police in the Kavango West Region have cautioned residents and farmers to be vigilant about the rising stock theft.

Incidents of stock theft have started picking up in the region due to the fact that the ploughing season has ended and community members have released their cattle to roam around for grazing opportunities.

NamPol's Commander in the Kavango West Region, Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo, says, "When it's a ploughing season, everyone takes care of their cattle because they are afraid they will go and eat or graze in the crop field, and now that everyone has harvested, they don't care anymore. Cattle headers are not following up, and during this time, the thieves are now taking cattle and slaughtering them. We encourage the community to continue doing the same they did during the ploughing or cultivating season, and during that time we recorded very few cases of stock theft."

Housebreaking and theft at residential and business premises are becoming alarming in the region, particularly during school holidays.

"The message is that at least if you have a bar, try to have a security guard because the police will not be everywhere in all corners, so the security guard will be able to alert the police of any suspicious movement, and then we will be able to be there on time. Similarly to the schools, when they leave, try to hire a temporary guard during the time when they are not there to look after the property. We have neighbourhood watches and try to inform your neighbour to check your place instead of just leaving it unattended."

Commissioner Sakuwa-Neo further said drink-driving will not be entertained in the region.

Community members should also refrain from walking on the road, especially when under the influence of alcohol.

To tackle these issues, the region currently has two ongoing operations, namely Lobster and Paraesido II.