Theft of scooters
Motorcycle and scooter owners are advised to be cautious, following a recent rise in the theft of these vehicles.
The SAPS have urged owners to ensure their bikes are properly secured when parked, especially in the Brakpan CBD and at local shopping centres.
“Make use of chains and locks if you have to,” said Capt Joep Joubert, spokesperson for the Brakpan Police Station commander.
Number your house
Residents are requested to ensure their house numbers are clearly visible from the street.
“In an emergency situation, valuable time is often wasted by emergency personnel or the police driving up and down, trying to locate a specific address,” said Joubert.
“House numbers can mean the difference between life and death in these situations.”
Mark your belongings
Residents are advised to mark their belongings with their ID numbers in the event of a house break-in or theft.
“Use a permanent marker to write your ID number on goods such as television sets, games consoles, DVD players and laptops,” said Joubert.
“If these are stolen and then recovered, we will be able to identify to whom they belong.”
Joubert also encouraged residents to take photos of their belongings and to write down their serial numbers.
Explosive devices
Second-hand dealers have been advised to contact police immediately if they are approached by anyone attempting to sell explosive devices, such as bombs and mortar projectiles.
Residents are also requested to contact police if they find such devices.
“While no cases have been reported in Brakpan, people do sometimes find explosives,” said Joubert.
“In Pretoria, last month, 30 military explosive devices were found in a veld.”
Car safety
Following the tragic incident in which two children died after playing in a locked car, in Springs, recently, local police have warned residents not to leave their children unattended in vehicles.
“Some parents leave their children alone in cars when they go to the shops or malls, and it is extremely dangerous,” said Joubert.
“Parents are warned that if they are found to be negligent, they will be charged.”
