The Douglasdale police have embarked on a number of crime awareness campaigns that aim at eradicating criminal activities in the area which is their bid to a safer community.
According to the head of communication of the Douglasdale Police Station, Captain Mpho Tshetlhane, the crimes that they plan to eradicate include hijacking, theft of motor vehicles, and smash-and-grab incidents.
“During these campaigns, the police realised that most drivers drive with their windows wide open, talk on cell phones while driving, leave their valuables, especially laptops and tablets, clearly visible on their car seats, when leaving their vehicle they do not double check their door handles to ensure that it is fully locked before walking away,” Tshetlhane said.
She added that community members need to be a lot more cautious and vigilant to these crimes. Community members are urged to continue working together with the police in the fight against crime and to always remember that the responsibility to make our area a safer place lies with them.”
Tshetlhane advises all the drivers to always consider the following safety tips while in a vehicle:
- Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other cars
- Do not leave your firearm in the motor vehicle’s glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle, as this is against the law
- Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car
- Valuable items like a laptop and camera should be put in the boot of your car
- Be aware of people coming to you and informing you that you have a flat tyre, the intention can be to steal items that they see inside the car or rob your
- Always close your windows when driving in the city centre
- Ensure that your vehicle is in a good condition when you plan to go on a journey
- Ensure that the fuel tank of your vehicle always has sufficient fuel
- Always lock your vehicle’s doors and keep the windows closed
- Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute
- Avoid stopping at remote places
- Park your vehicle in places that are well lit
- If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide – only 5 cm is enough to have a discussion
- If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers, rather be rude and drive away
- Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you
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