THE Umbilo SAPS and Umbilo executive CPF urge residents to be vigilant over the festive season.
There has been an alarming increase in theft out of motor vehicles and people are urged not to leave anything lying in their cars.
“Don’t even leave an empty packet, cell phone charger, cigarettes or sunglasses in cars as the thieves walk past your car, glance in, and they will smash your window for anything that catches their eye. To them it’s a bit of money for their next whoonga fix or for some alcohol. To you it’s a cost of replacing a window, the inconvenience and time doing so,” said Heather Roos, chair of the Umbilo CPF.
Roos said there has been an increase in remote jamming and people are urged to physically check their car doors are locked properly, and not to just click their remote and walk away.
“When going to shopping centres, watch out when shopping and especially when standing in queues as this is when people behind you will pick your pockets, or open your bag and slip out your wallet or cellphone without you even feeling it. Most times they will distract you by getting someone to chat to you, bump into you, or ask you to reach for something for them. Also, never leave hand bags unattended or in your trolley, not even for a second,” she said, adding that men should not keep wallets or cellphone in the back of their pants pocket and women should use bags that can go across their body, and should keep the bag in front of them at all times while shopping or in public.
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Roos advised people to avoid drawing money from ATMs but to rather draw money from inside shops or where it is safe to do so. Also when drawing money or paying anything with your bank card, pay attention and be alert as to what is going on around you. “Do not be distracted by your cellphone by either texting or taking calls at this time,” she said.
She urged parents to keep an eye on their children at all times in any public place and to hold their hands and not let them use public toilets by themselves.
“This goes for teenagers as well. In fact any one using a public toilet should be very cautious especially when public toilets are hidden away down a passage. When it comes to muggings, be wary and alert to people stopping you for directions or for a light for a cigarette, whether on foot or in a vehicle. Never go up to the car, even if they call you or say they can’t hear you. Do not walk in the road or street on your cellphone or with earphones in listening to music as this is a big invitation to thieves to target you,” she warned.
She said there had been an increase in hijackings and urged motorists to be aware of their surroundings when leaving or entering their property. Be aware of suspicious vehicles parked or driving in your road, or suspicious people walking in your road at the time you are entering or leaving your property.
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“Keep doors locked, be alert and not on your phone, or chatting to passengers and not paying attention to what’s going on around you. If you suspect something, rather do not leave or enter your property, call your security company to check first. If you are being followed, drive to a safe place and notify your security company and the police,” she said.
Keep security gates locked at all times, even when just hanging up washing, gardening, getting something out of the garage or post box, as all it takes is a split second for someone to slip in while you are busy.
“Too many properties are also still in darkness at night. Please light up your yards so criminals cannot hide. Also make sure your house is numbered clearly especially that its visible from the road as this assists the police or emergency services if you call them in an emergency,” said Roos.
She urged residents to report all crime or incidents to the police no matter how small. Contact 10111.
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