Police urge residents to be vigilant of house, business and car-related crimes.
Sophiatown Police Station is experiencing a rise in house and business robberies along with the theft of motor vehicles. The station’s spokesperson Captain TJ de Bruyn stated that they need members of the public to be aware of the matter and take the necessary action to protect themselves. He explained, “The police have increased the number of officers on the ground in the area and are on standby to attend to any issue, but we need people to do their part in keeping themselves and their belongings safe.”
De Bruyn stressed that people need to be vigilant of their surroundings and wary of unknown people to avoid being victims to these crimes.
He also shared the following tips to assist the public
House robbery safety tips:
- Ensure that your burglar gates and doors are locked at all times
- Do not open and leave windows open that do not have have burglar bars
- Keep outside lights on during the night
- Do not open doors for strangers and verify all service calls
- Communicate with trustworthy neighbours to keep an eye on your home whenever you are not around
- Report suspicious activities immediately to the police or your security company
- Do not take anyone from the street to assist with tasks in and around your house.
Car theft and theft from car safety tips:
- Lock all your valuables such as laptops, cameras and handbags in the boot where it is out of sight
- Make sure all your doors and windows are properly locked before walking away from your parked vehicle
- Double-check the car is locked by trying to open the doors after locking it, car-jamming is still a reality
- Do not park your vehicle where no security officers are stationed to guard other vehicles
- Do not engage any unknown people when parking your vehicle in any public place
- At night, park your vehicle in well-lit areas.
Business robbery safety tips:
- Always try to remain calm and do not attempt to show any signs of aggression
- Keep your hands still where the robber can see them so as to the assurance of your passive intent
- Do not argue with the robbers
- Do exactly as the robbers say
- Be observant without being obtrusive or conspicuous about it and remember what is seen and done
- You must be able to describe your attacker as accurately as possible. Try to remember distinctive features facial scars, tattoos, accents, etc.
