Festive season safety hints, courtesy of the SAPS

It is also a time, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS) when many communities “become relaxed” and forget that opportunistic criminals use this period to maximise their nefarious activities.

“As the police, we will perform special operations in line with Operation Safer Festive Season to ensure the safety of our people,” confirmed Lizzy Arumugam of the corporate communications unit for the Newcastle SAPS.

“Proactive measures need to be in place to ensure everyone enjoys a crime-free festive season.”

SAPS also warns the community to take heed of the following, and assist local law-enforcement agencies by taking measures to safeguard their properties.

Residences

House keys should never lie around, or keep dangling on the outside doors. They should be kept in a safe place, and out of sight.
Owners must park their vehicles in a garage or behind a locked gate. Even if your vehicle is parked in a garage, make sure all the doors and the car is locked and if necessary, alarms are activated.

Take note and be observant of any overgrown or vacant areas near your home, as many times, criminals will hide stolen items in the bush and return later to fetch them. Keep these areas clean on a regular basis by cutting long grass and removing bush, where possible.

Never leave valuable items like laptops and cellphones lying around before going to bed.

Do not ignore the “irritating bark” of dogs – housebreakers will rarely enter through the front door, so dogs will alert you of exactly where they are. Phone the police immediately if you are suspicious of unusual activity.

Stolen goods

Do not buy any stolen goods. If you buy stolen items, more victims will suffer because buying goods obtained in this manner motivates criminals to repeat their actions. Receiving stolen goods is punishable by law.

Reject and report stolen goods to your local police or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

ATMs and shopping safety

Avoid using isolated ATMs or using an ATM late at night. Never give your card or PIN number to anyone, for whatever reason – not even a bank official, security personnel or a police officer.

Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM.

Beware of “shoulder surfing” – if you are distracted by someone while you are attempting to make a transaction, cancel it immediately.

Avoid making big cash withdrawals or carrying large amounts of money, as this draws unwanted attention to you.

Those with stokvels or social club groups are urged not to make withdrawals of their savings. Rather, go inside the bank and request help to transfer the beneficiaries’ share to your account.

During the holiday season, shopping centres and the CBDs will be buzzing with people doing their Christmas shopping. Make sure your handbag is close to your body and clutched tightly. Never put your wallet in the back pocket of your jeans or pants.

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Conceal your cellphone when you are in a public place, and do not get tricked into lending it to someone to make a call.

Be careful of con artists and scams. Be careful when buying goods online, and always make sure the websites you use are the “real deal”.

Safety of children

Parents need to know where their children are at all times.

Do not leave children unattended. Always make sure when they are at the malls or shopping centres that they have proper adult supervision.

Remember that if a child goes missing, there is no waiting period to report it. Time is of the essence, so alert authorities immediately! Always have a recent photo of your close family members.

Parents please never let your children swim in the pool/dams or rivers alone or unsupervised.

Children who cannot swim should never be allowed in the water. An appeal is made to adults not to enter the water while under the influence of alcohol – practise water safety at all times.

Hijacking and hitch-hikers

Ensure your vehicle is always in running condition with good tyres (including a spare wheel) and has enough fuel for your planned trip.

Know your destination and the directions to it, and be alert if you get lost. Never, ever, pick up hitch-hikers, as most criminals pose as hitch-hikers only to hijack, rob or even hurt or kill you.

The police send a strong message to people, especially women, not to hitch-hike as this can be very dangerous. You do not know the person giving you a lift, and by accepting a lift, you are placing your life in danger.

Road safety

Do not speed – stick to the road speed.

Do not text or speak on your cellphone while driving.

Stop and rest frequently while travelling.

Remember to wear safety belts.

Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.

Adhere to the rules of the road.

Do not drink and drive.

Do not overload your vehicle.

“The fight against crime is everyone’s responsibility… We appeal to the community to join hands with the police and work together to enjoy a safe festive season,” urged Arumugam.

She confirmed that SAPS and its partners would be out in full force to ensure the safety of communities.

“Those who break the law will face the full might of the judicial system – #CrimeMustFall,” she concluded.