On Saturday, November 19 members from Roodepoort Police’s Social Crime Prevention Unit, Youth Desk and Corporate Communication engaged with the community at Westgate Shopping Centre.
They handed out pamphlets with safety tips, gave advice on matters pertaining to policing and also were there to assist with certifying documents.
Roodepoort Police Communication Officer, Captain Juanita-Anne Yorke confirmed that they will be visiting more shopping centres and doing regular patrols as well as events throughout the festive season.
“Together we can all make a difference,” said Yorke.
Safety tips on:
• Carjackings
Avoid parking your vehicles where there is no security and avoid being alone in a vehicle when travelling at night.
Do not stop around carjacking spots or at any secluded area, do not pick up hitchhikers, particularly when you drive alone and avoid distractions such as being on your cellular telephone, drinking and driving.
Increase caution at intersections – always keep a look out for people loitering around your car or for any sudden activity around your car.
Lock all doors while inside the vehicle and not to leave any valuable items in the vehicle laying around, rather put them in the glove compartment or in the boot.
• House robberies
Always be on the lookout for suspicious persons and vehicles and enhance security through fitting access doors with security gates and install burglar bars on windows.
Request neighbours to keep an eye when you go away for an extended period, do not open gates and doors for strangers or unverified personnel.
Verify the identity of the domestic worker and/or the garden worker before you employ them and check authenticity of a contractor before you allow access to the premises.
• Business robberies
Do not keep too much money in the business premises, be on the lookout for suspicious customers and do not keep the shop open till late.
Avoid being alone, especially at night, business owners must not open for anyone after the business has closed.
Vetting of staff before employment is crucial to good business etiquette.
