It’s school holidays again and children will be at home while their parents are at work.
During these times various types of crimes can be committed which could result not only in material losses, but also in loss of life.
The Lambton Klip Sector Four CPF (Parkhill Gardens, Denlee, Klippoortjie, Lambton, Hazeldene and Hazel Park) is warning children to be aware of the dangers in and around the house and on the street.
Parents must make sure their children have a security plan on hand, with the necessary contact numbers in case of an emergency, and instruct their children not to open doors or gates to strangers.
“What makes it even easier for criminals is that we are having hot days and nights which result in people leaving windows and doors open,”said Pine Pienaar, vice-chairman of the Lambton Klip Sector Four CPF. .
“Even gates and garages are left wide open. Please be aware that passing criminals will take this as an opportunity to gain access to your property or house to rob you.
“Our message to you is to keep garages, gates, windows and doors locked all the time.”
When a suspicious-looking person or vehicle is noticed, a SAPS sector van nearby can be contacted to investigate, or you can notify your armed response company or make contact with a local CPF member.
“We urge residents to be alert and vigilant at all times,” Pienaar added.
“When you go shopping be careful and always be aware of your surroundings.”
Crime tips for holiday mall shoppers:
- Not only are violent mall robberies on the increase, but shoppers must also remain vigilant in order to not fall prey to lesser crimes.
- According to Security in Practice (SIP), the police recently issued a warning specifically relating to this issue.
“The police have requested that people be made aware of possible robberies while shopping in large centres, as the silly season has started,” Pienaar said.
“Please be on the lookout and, women, please hold on tightly to your bags and keep your eyes wide open when approaching your parked car.
“Do not leave your bag on top of your purchases in the shopping trolley or dangling from the trolley en route to your car.
“Citizens create opportunities and criminals exploit these to carry out their evil deeds.”
Other handy tips:
- Be mindful of your parking spot and park as close as possible to the store. Try to shop during the day, but, if you must shop at night, park in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
- Try to avoid parking near cars with dark tinted windows, or cars that obstruct your view.
- Do not leave car doors unlocked or the windows down or sunroof open, even if you’re just making a quick stop. Thieves are good, and fast at what they do.
- Avoid a smash-and-grab – don’t leave anything in plain view in your car that could be perceived as valuable; rather place it in the trunk of your car, out of sight.
- When at the mall, do not take packages to your car and then return to the store. Packages should be secured in the vehicle trunk only before leaving to go home or to another shopping centre.
- Don’t fumble for your keys when you arrive at your car, rather have them ready to use before leaving your home, job or the mall.
- Don’t electronically unlock your vehicle until you are within reach of your car door. And unlock only the driver’s door, unless others are driving with you.
- If you are ready to leave the mall and feel uneasy about entering the parking lot or garage by yourself, stay in the mall and ask for a security escort.
- When banking, be aware of your surroundings at drive-up ATMs and when returning to the parking lot from a walk-up ATM or inside the bank.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, instead, use credit/debit cards.
- Do not carry a wallet in your back pocket, but rather in your front pocket, as criminals are well trained to pick-pocket.
- Don’t carry too many parcels, rather use a trolley to push purchases to your vehicle.
The next Lambton Klip Sector Four CPF meeting will take place at 7pm on October 8, at Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston.
You can contact the CPF via the information line, on 072 193 8496, email to admin@lkcpf.co.za or visit the website at www.lkcpf.co.za.
The police sector vehicle numbers for Sector Four are 071 675 6860 and 071 675 6861.
The Germiston Police Station can be contacted on 011 871-5000/5003/5004.
Other articles you may be interested in:
More cars being stolen in Lambton Klip Sector Four CPF area
CPF warns residents to make sure they are alert, crime is increasing
