The Sebenza Police Station has introduced community patrollers to help combat crime during the festive season.
The Sebenza SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Sharon Mahamba-Tsotsotso, said the patrollers have started already and they patrol at different times of the day.
Sgt Tsotsotso said the initiative aims to patrol the area in order to curb crime during the festive season period.
“During this time of the year, parents are at work and sometimes the older children are left alone with their younger siblings. The patrollers will be visible on the streets. They will check on those houses where owners are on holiday or at work, and the children who are alone during the holidays,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
She also advised homeowners to let their neighbours know when they go away during the Christmas period, as that is when criminals break into houses the most.
“They must ask someone to pickup any newspapers that are delivered because if you have a stack of papers in the driveway or gates, people will notice that there is no one at home.
“If people have deliveries that are being made daily or weekly, they must cancel those or advise the service providers that they are going away,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
Sgt Tsotsotso warned people to always be vigilant when arriving back home, either from work or shopping, to make sure they are not being followed.
“Sometimes criminals follow people home from the mall and as soon as the gate is opened, they are right behind them. If you notice that you are being followed, drive past your house or go to the nearest police station. People must also stop giving directions to strangers because you never know whether the person is sincere or not and that could be dangerous,” she said.
The Sector vehicles can be contacted on the following numbers:
r Sector 1 can be contacted on 071 675 6794/5.
r Sector 2 can be contacted on 071 675 6799.
The Sebenza Police Station number is 011 400 6000.
