Take note of festive season safety tips, crime hot spots

It’s that time again where millions of people head to shopping malls to spoil themselves and spoil their loved ones by finding the perfect gifts.

According to Boksburg North SAPS spokesperson Const Justice Ramaube, the police will be out in full force around malls with the objective of making sure that people in our country are safe.

“The security will be tight in malls, with police officers as well as other security clusters coming on board in order the minimises the crime around the malls.

“Theft of motor vehicles was a bit of concern last year because criminals were targeting a certain range of cars, like the Ford Rangers.

“However, this year it looks like criminals are targeting the Toyota Etios and Ford Ranger, which are now a high risk.”

Ramaube said they are advising the owners of these vehicles to exercises extra care in making sure they lock their vehicles properly and close all the windows.

“We are aware and we need assistance from the public to track down some of the three suspects who allegedly steal vehicles.

“One of the suspects is reported to be driving a bicycle while the other suspect scouts the parking lot and the third person comes after the vehicle has been opened. We advise motorists to be vigilant of them,” Ramaube said.

The police said it has come to their attention that the flea market has also been targeted by the criminals.

Meanwhile, motorists are also urged to be cautious around the corner of Bental and North Rand roads. A number of robbery with aggravating circumstances cases have been reported to be taking place there.

Hot spots 

“A few burglary cases have been reported in Atlasville, so we urge residents around there to beef up their security and create a neighbourhood watch to assist one another. Residents should avoid leaving windows, burglar doors and gates wide opened either during the day or night.”

Another area of concern where smash-and-grabs have been reported is Witfield, in particular in Field Street and at the corner of Main Reef Road next to Angelo squatter camp.

“Motorists should be careful of theft of and from motor vehicles, we advise not to leave your car idling or windows slightly opened anytime of the day or night. A number of burglary cases are from Witfield as well so we advise the community to be in contact with the police if they suspect any movement of strangers and suspected motorists,” Ramaube said.

Another crime hot spot is the Everleigh area.

“Many cases of robbery aggravating emanate from there. People who walk around there are urged to avoid walking there during times that are not convenient for them,” Ramaube said.

Festive season safety tips

• Avoid walking through open fields alone, walk at least in pairs.

• Don’t carry large amounts of cash.

• Stokvel members need to be cautious. Walking around with a large sum of money from the banks attracts robbers. In this case, you are adviced to develop an alternative means of sharing or dividing the money through the bank accounts.

• Avoid buying vehicles via social media, such as Facebook and OLX, because there are a lot of fraudulent activities taking place. Do not buy a vehicle that you haven’t seen.

• Avoid doing “back-door transactions”. The police urges the community to stay focused and not get tempted by unnecessary things.