MBOMBELA – The South African Police Service (SAPS) warn South Africans to spend their hard-earned money this holiday in line with the tough economic climate.
The SAPS’s top management, led by the acting national commissioner, General Khomotso Phahlane, also seeks to remind citizens about criminals armed with the latest scams and technology to extort our hard-earned money. It also endeavours to provide with safety tips to ensure that citizens are ahead of criminals.
The SAPS have compiled the following holiday safety tips, which are aimed at contributing to the safety and security of people during the holiday season.
Driving
• Avoid driving alone or at night
• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lit area
• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells or cars with tinted windows
• Park as close as you can to your destination and remember where you are parked
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the engine running or with children inside it
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This is a big temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight
• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door
• When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
Automated teller machine (ATM)
• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall or well-lit location. Withdraw only the amount of cash that you need
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you
• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
Shopping
• Shop during daylight hours if it is possible. If you must shop at night, ensure that a friend or family member accompanies you.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible
• Always carry your driver’s licence or identification card along with the necessary cash, cheques and/or a credit card at all times
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Pay for purchases with a cheque or credit card, if it is possible
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home
• Be extra careful if you carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
Children
• If it is at all possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter
• Teach your child to go to a shop clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you
• Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them
• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security.
At home
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer
• Leave a radio or television on so that the house looks and sounds occupied
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
Strangers at your door
• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as courier services who are delivering gifts.
