In the hopes of preventing crime, Germiston Flying Squad shared several crime prevention tips to try to keep the community safe.
The unit, which often responds to violent crimes, focuses primarily on trio crimes.
Communications officer of the unit, Const Ntombikayse Ngcobo, said these include hijackings, business robbery and residential robbery.
• Hijacking.
Ngcobo urged motorists to exercise caution when they notice blue flashing lights behind them.
She said on some occasions criminals may use blue lights and pretend to be officers to hijack someone.
Ngcobo explained that if motorists do not feel safe to stop, they should put their hazards on, drive slowly and stop at a petrol garage or a police station.
“Motorists need to communicate with the driver of the vehicle behind them to the best of their ability and inform them of their intentions.”
When asked about the December incident where a woman was allegedly manhandled by Tshwane metro police officers after stopping at a petrol garage, Ngcobo said the reaction from officers depends on the officers at the scene.
• Residential robbery.
Ngcobo said it is vital that workers at your home do not allow anyone onto the property without your permission.
She said communication between employers and employees is very important.
“Homeowners should implement a code word system.”
“If someone visits your home your employee can ask for the code word and if it is correct they can enter the property.”
• Business robbery.
Ngcobo encouraged the business owner to ensure that they have a well-maintained CCTV system at their place of business.
They should also keep an eye out for community members acting suspiciously by loitering around the shop or visiting the shop on several occasions without purchasing any items.
She said the suspicious individual could be part of a criminal group planning a robbery.
Additionally, Ngcobo suggested that businesses must try to keep as little money as possible on the premises.
“Try to keep information about business money as confidential as possible.”
