Festive season safety and security tips

Police are urging residents to be extra careful as criminal activities tend to go up during the festive season.

The rate of housebreaking increases during the festive season, particularly when residents are away. Car break-ins and theft from motor vehicles are other crime trends that increase during this time. This has urged Parkview Police Station to share some vital information to help reduce the chances of residents becoming victims of these crimes.

The following tips, along with general safety and security tips, should be used to minimise the risks that come with the festive season.

Tips for those going away on holiday:

• Do not leave your house unattended. Ask your trustworthy neighbours or a relative to watch over it.
• Stop all deliveries of daily and weekly newspapers. Ask a neighbour to clear your mailbox often.
• Ensure that all doors and windows are properly closed before leaving.

Tips for those staying at home:

• Have a list of emergency contact details nearby at all times.
• Ensure that all doors and windows are properly closed before leaving the house and going to bed.
• Ensure all panic buttons are in working order and activated in order to get a quick reaction from police and security.

Tips for motorists:

• Keep valuables such as cell phones, handbags, laptops and briefcases out of sight at all times
• Constantly check your mirrors and surroundings to ensure you are not being followed.
• If you sense you are being followed, circle the block. If your follower persists, drive to the nearest police station or phone for help.
• Keep doors locked and windows closed at intersections. Don’t open them to beggars or hawkers.
• When approaching your home, make sure there are no suspicious loiters or vehicles near your gate.
• Close the gate as soon as your vehicle has entered your property.

The Station Commander of Parkview Police Station, Colonel Theledi Gopane, would like to wish residents a safe festive season.