Police said they will be stepping up their presence over the August 15 holiday weekend to avert traffic collisions and protect properties.

There will be more police patrols and an increased presence of police officers, particularly on main roads leading to the coast and the mountains.

Emphasis will be on speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and failure to wear a seatbelt or helmet.

As regards crime prevention, police noted that weekends such as this are considered high risk for burglaries as thieves seek to take advantage of residents’ absence from their homes.

“For this reason, police are taking additional measures to prevent crime particularly against property with foot and motorised patrols in towns and in the countryside,” the announcement said, as it also advised people to take measures to protect their property.