Bedfordview SAPS festive season safety plan launched
"We have plans in place to address the challenges that come with the silly season, but we will need our residents to work with us as far as their safety is concerned."
The Bedfordview SAPS has launched its plan to combat and prevent crime during this year’s festive season.
The Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Mduduzi Nhlabathi, said the station is bracing itself for the busiest time of the year.
“We have plans in place to address the challenges that come with the silly season, but we will need our residents to work with us as far as their safety is concerned,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
He said focus points will include shopping malls, major highways as well as entry and exit points into the area.
W/O Nhlabathi said due to big transactions that people will be making, shopping malls will be highly monitored.
“Although our people are reminded of the dangers of carrying large amounts of money, some still do it and we need to remain on high alert,” he said.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF), security companies as well as Business Against Crime are some of the stakeholders that will join the SAPS in keeping residents safe during the holidays.
W/O Nhlabathi said residents need to start taking police warnings seriously.
“We do our best to warn our people about leaving their gates open and not exercising enough caution. Residents should strive to prevent crime rather than fixing mistakes after they have become a victim to crime,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
He said people should refrain from withdrawing and carrying large amounts of cash.
“This is dangerous and we advise against it. It is also part of the cause of ‘follow-home’ robberies,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
More details regarding the Bedfordview SAPS’ festive plans will be made available as the holiday season approaches.
