Brooklyn police kick off 16 days of activism in style

The police shared personal safety advice for senior citizens.

Liam Ngobeni

November 29, 2018

Photo: Supplied

The Brooklyn police kicked off their 16 days of activism in musical style hosting a Christmas carol concert for the elderly.

The police Tshwane band performed for around 100 senior citizens from all over Pretoria at the Brooklyn mall on Tuesday morning.

The event, part of the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children which is commemorated annually from 25 November to 10 December, focused on the abuse and safety of the elderly.

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Faces lit up as the shopping centre swirled with the beautiful sounds of Christmas carols as performed by the men and women in blue.

Police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said during the event the Brooklyn SAPS raised the awareness of crimes against the elderly such as physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse.

“The SAPS have the responsibility to protect the vulnerable in society but cannot be in every household and behind every closed door.”

“Partners, stakeholders and communities need to assist the SAPS and need to report abuse on a daily basis, 365 days of the year and not only during these 16 days.”

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Some of the personal safety advice for senior citizens that were shared included:

Be observant at all times. If you feel that you are being followed by another vehicle, do not drive home rather drive to a safe place and report the incident to the police.
Develop a habit of locking your doors, even when you are home.
Upgrade security feature on back doors, kitchen windows and sliding doors.
Do not leave valuables like laptops and cellphones near an open window where they are easily accessible from the outside.
If you live in a security complex, wait for the electrical gate to close behind you when you arrive home and leave.
Do not allow any unknown persons onto your property unless you requested/invited them to visit you.
Be suspicious of anyone who offers you a chance for quick and easy wealth that “sounds too good to be true”.
Do not give your banking details over the phone.
Be vigilant while shopping. Do not leave handbags unattended inside shopping trolleys.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and flashy jewellery.
‘Boot it or lose it’ – remove all loose items from your vehicle, before travelling. Loose items and valuables attract criminals.