VIGILANCE is the key word this holiday season says the South African Police Service (SAPS) which is urging locals and visitors alike to be aware of their surroundings at all time and to remain vigilant over the festive season. According to SAPS, history indicates that people tend to be more complacent and oblivious of their surroundings over the festive period, a time where a spike in crime in recorded annually.
SAPS has launched its Safer Festive Season Operation where, together with other law enforcement officers in South Africa, police will be working throughout the festive period to ensure that people across the country are and feel safe. However, police cannot be in all places at the same time and have urged communities to take note of the following safety tips to help prevent them from becoming a crime statistic.
Since money is the primary motivation for most of the crime, the SAPS cautions against the dangers of carrying a large amount of money on your person. Bank cards can and should be used to conduct all sorts of transactions to avoid all money related robberies. Members of stokvels should rather speak to their banks about the available banking products that may assist them in conducting transactions without having to withdraw all of their deposits, thus risking robberies and, at times, death.
If it becomes necessary that one has to withdraw large amount of money, it is important to be aware of other people in the bank as others may be in the bank with the sole purpose of following and, ultimately, robbing you. Be aware of who you share information on your intentions to withdraw money with, as the very people may arrange for your robbery later. This also applies to people involved in “stovels”.
Children: With schools closed, children do have enormous amount of time in their hands, and this is where additional vigilance by parents and guardians will come in handy. Try to all times know where your children are and who are they with to avoid cases of missing children and accidents such as drowning in swimming pools, dams and rivers.
We have lost children through suffocation in abandoned fridges and cars in the past so we urge parents to be aware of such dangers. Do not take anything for granted.
Rules of the Road: People are urged to obey to the rules of the road. By following the triple “P” approach of being prepared, patient and polite when on the roads will go a long way in preventing road carnage.
Drinking and driving and speeding are some of the major causes of fatal accidents and will be considered taboo on our roads and transgressors will face the full might of the law.
Some of the other safety tips that can help save lives is for motorists to plan their travel routes well in advance and make their whereabouts known to family and friends. Also, avoid travelling at night and in remote areas. Carry an emergency kit to assist when you experience a vehicle breakdown or if you are involved in an accident.
At your residence, make the intrusion of criminals into your premises as difficult as possible by locking doors and gates, burglar-proofing windows and install alarm systems. Ensure that lights are switched on night and off during the day. Arrange for your post to be picked up regularly to avoid accumulation because this is a sign that people are not home for a long period.
