METRO Police officers Capt Peter Keogh and Insp Jacques Fourie brought some joy to the lives of residents at Tafta-On-Ridge last week.
The officers visited the home to present a safety talk, sang a few songs and put on a police dog demonstration with Insp Fourie's dog, Fancy.
Capt Keogh, who has served on the force for 40 years,shared some crime prevention tips, such as not driving with your handbag on your front seat, but rather to store it in the boot while driving, as well as to not leave any valuables such as cellphones, wallets, glasses or bags in your car when parked somewhere.
“When I am at Musgrave Centre I see a lot of women who leave their handbags unattended in trolleys while shopping. These can be taken in two minutes. When you are on an escalator, always carry your bag in your right hand as it can't be taken by someone coming down the opposite way,” he said.
He urged the women not to wear expensive jewellery when taking a walk, and urged residents that when they are at an ATM, they should not let anyone distract them. “Put your hand over the keyboard when you insert your pin, and always be aware of your surroundings. If someone tries to distract you, cancel your transaction,” he said.
He said people have a right to ask a police officer to show them their ID card, as this is something all police officers carry.
“If you are stopped, you have a right to see the officer's ID card. Remember, a man cannot search a woman, by law. Rather call your husband or go to the nearest police station, and let the officer follow you there,” he said.
He also urged the residents not to leave their cellphones at home when going out, as well as to not use them when travelling in a vehicle, even as a passenger, or walking on the road.
“Don't be scared to live, but be careful when you are walking or parking your vehicle. Make it difficult for criminals to steal your car,” he said.
