Douglasdale Police Station Commander, Brigadier Sam Thambo wished community members a safe and peaceful festive season.
“It is that time of the year again when Christians in our country join the international community to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also the time when most of us travel long distances for the holidays, thus leaving our homes unattended,” Thambo said.
“Unfortunately criminals also use the festive season as an opportunity to plan their evil deeds.”
To avoid becoming victims of crime, Thambo urged residents to take responsibility for their own safety and use the following advice:
- Report any suspicious persons in your vicinity
- Do not leave your house lights on day and night
- Do not leave your car unlocked on the side of the road
- Do not leave your car keys in the ignition unattended
- Do not walk alone on open spaces where there is long grass
- Avoid narrow streets with no streetlights
- Avoid deserted houses, buildings and construction sites
- Party-goers must not leave the party with strangers
- Do not leave children in the house alone
- Keep children by your side in shopping malls
- Ensure that your child or children are not exposed to any form of abuse
- Always tell someone you trust where you are going and with whom
- Do not talk to strangers
- Bank large sums of money immediately
- Constantly change routes when driving to the bank
- Make use of drop safe systems and security companies where possible
- Train employees to be observant and always insist on seeing identification cards of callers who claim to be government officials.
“I urge community members to make use of these numbers when reporting crime; 011 699 1333 or 08600 10111 and I wish you all a wonderful and safe festive season.”
Details: 10111.
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