It is yet another period of the year in which various members of the community take trips to different destinations.
The police have the responsibility to ensure a secure environment for anybody who travels, visits and stays within the boundaries of North West before, during and after Easter holiday. The police have worked are ready to work hard during this period through various crime prevention operations to protect the citizens. However, this can only be realised through active cooperation between the police and the community.
As the police in the province, we want to reiterate our commitment to protecting the community through effective policing. This includes confiscating illegal firearms and shutting down illegal liquor outlets. Members will be deployed to conduct crime prevention operations, including roadblocks with other law enforcement officials, relevant partners and stakeholders. This is done to maintain order, curb lawlessness on the streets and homes. The community is urged to cooperate with law enforcement officials especially at roadblocks as well as during stop and search operations.
In order to have a crime free Easter holiday, the community is urged to take precautionary measures by applying the following safety hints:
* Do not drink and drive, avoid speeding by leaving on time from your departing point.
* In the case of pedestrians, do not drink and walk on or along the road.
* If you know that you will be away for a longer period, do not leave your house unattended, rather leave another person
to take care of it or report your absence to the police so that they can make turns at your place during patrols.
* To avoid hijackings, know your destination and the directions and be alert if you get lost.
* Never leave keys in the ignition when leaving the car to open the gate.
* To avoid mugging, if you are waiting to be collected, do not wait outside. Always try to wait inside a building.
* If possible, avoid walking alone. Your best defence is having other people nearby.
* If you walk alone, plan your route carefully and stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.
* Motorists are warned to exercise caution, be alert and avoid at all costs giving lifts to hitchhikers as some of these
people victimise motorists who offer them lifts by robbing them.
