SAPS creates awareness at shopping centres

The Edenvale SAPS educated shoppers around the Greentsone area in order to decrease the possibility of becoming a victim of crime.

According to Sergeant Jacob Mashile, the number of theft of motor vehicles as well as theft out of motor vehicles have shown an increase. He said the reported incidents are said to occur more often on Fridays.

“We are visiting shopping centres to create awareness as well as provide tips for motorists,” said Sgt Mashile.

In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Munzhelele said creating awareness and informing shoppers of the necessary precautions could have a positive outcome and decrease theft instances.

Sgt Mashile provided the following tips for safety awareness when parking/driving your vehicle:

•  Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other cars.
•  Do not leave your firearm in the motor vehicle’s glove compartment or anywhere in the vehicle when you have park. (This is against the law).
•  Ensure all doors are locked and windows are closed when the vehicle is parked.
•  Valuable items such as laptops and cameras should not be visible but placed in the boot.
•  Be aware of being approached by people telling you that you have a flat tyre . The intentions could be to rob you or steal items in sight.
•  Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road and at the robots.
•  Park in well-lit areas at night.
•  If in doubt about the safety of a certain area, phone the police for advice.
•  Practice the same prevention skills you apply in the parking lots in garages at home.
•  Store luggage in the car’s boot where it remains out of sight.
•  Remove detachable radios and the radio’s face-plate when leaving the car.
•  Ensure there is an anti-theft and/or alarm in your vehicle.
•  Ensure your keys are ready at hand when approaching your vehicle.