The year-end festive-season-fever is drawing nearer and Alex residents are advised to be more vigilant and not let excitement and laxity around money expose them to criminals.
Despite the recent revelation of unrelenting national crime statistics by the Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula, many residents will be robbed or killed for exposing and carrying loads of money from their bonuses and accumulated savings instead of keeping it safe in banks.
In the comparative analysis of the 2015/16 and 2016/17 stats, the department revealed an increase in several categories of crime with;
Increases in:
- Murder cases from 65 to 71
- Common assaults from 809 to 818
- Motor vehicle theft from 149 to 207
- Theft out of vehicles from 188 to 189
- Residential robbery from 47 to 58
- Drug-related offences from 297 to 423
- Driving under the influence of liquor and/or drugs from 371 to 465.
There were marginal decreases in:
- Sexual offences from 179 to 164
- Attempted murder from 84 to 80
- Assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm from 756 to 509
- Common robbery from 249 to 188
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances from 649 to 600
- Malicious damage to property from 493 to 439
- Residential burglary from 504 to 483
- Illegal possession of firearm and ammunition from 109 to 84.
Police spokesperson Captain Allie Kodisang said crime reduction hinged on sustained vigilance by the residents of their immediate surroundings especially during the festive season when criminals exploit the euphoria of excitement and laxity.”Criminals can easily detect those carrying around lots of money,” Kodisang said urging the public to only draw small amounts from the bank for immediate use on essentials while keeping the rest safe in bank accounts, despite misinformed concerns that they don’t make much interest. “Better have the money in a safe place than to be robbed of your year’s savings which others opt to keep at home and under mattresses.”
He advised residents to be wary of card scamming, particularly at isolated ATMs. “Always be accompanied by another person while at the ATM machine to avoid strangers distracting and intimidating you, while pretending to help you. Alternatively, seek help from security guards or withdraw from tellers inside the bank.”
He said the tricksters will also target stokvel members who he urged to seek advice on security measures from the banks. Kodisang also advised those who will be going elsewhere to leave their homes in the care of trustworthy people.
Details: Alex police station 011 321 6721.
