ALBERTON: In the light of Child Protection Month the SAPS wants to share crime prevention tips for children.
Parents and caretakers must take responsibility for their children and ensure their safety at all times. Keep an open line of communication and trust between parents and children, and know the child’s friends.
Here are a few basic safety rules that parents and caretakers should teach children. Children should know how to follow these rules and instructions well.
Teach them to trust police and that they are friends. They should only approach police officials wearing uniforms or who are in marked police vehicles.
Children should never approach a vehicle unless they are absolutely sure they know the occupants and never accept lifts from strangers.
Children should not speak to adults that they do not know. They should never accept sweets, money or ice cream from strangers. They should avoid giving their home telephone number to strangers.
When walking to home, school or bus stops, they should walk in groups. When children are at swimming pools, beaches or busy shopping centres, they should stay close to their parents or caretakers. Children should avoid lonely places. They should not take shortcuts through alleys or deserted areas.
Parents must be observant, so that they can identify any abnormal behaviour from their children.
Make sure your child(ren) knows your cellphone or telephone number.
These tips have been compiled by Constable Mgedezi.
