Safety has become one of the major issues for residents, especially during the Christmas holidays.
Many are reluctant to go on holiday due to the fear that someone will break into their home. People are also uncomfortable going to malls and parks because they fear that they might be robbed.
But, if you are going away, it is important to make arrangements with friends, family or neighbours to look after your home. Criminals monitor residents’ movements and plan around that information.
Also, police advise that residents be more vigilant when out shopping or on an outing with the family. During the festive season, more criminal activities happen around shopping centres, ATMs and residential areas.
Jeppe Community Policing Forum chairperson, Zola Dambula said that it is important to know your community street patrollers, neighbourhood watch members and private security companies because they play an important role in community safety. “I sincerely believe it is better to prevent crime than to investigate crime.”
He gave the following advice:
- Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings all the time when leaving or entering your property. Make sure that you are not followed.
- Do not get distracted or accept help at an ATM. Don’t punch in your PIN number if prompted to do so by any stranger who acts nice or kind.
- Know your neighbours and have their numbers handy for emergencies. Notify them or your sector manager when you are out of town. Ask someone to remove the mail from your postbox and keep some outside lights on or install a time switch.
- If you’ve got visitors, let them park in the yard or ask for the assistance of community patrollers or street guards to look after the vehicles parked in the street.
- Do not leave valuables visible in your car.
- Do not use your phone while walking in the streets.
- In an emergency, dial 112 which is a free call on your phone and choose the police, ambulance or Metro police option.
- Know the number of your nearest police station.
Details: Cleveland Police Station 011 677 5748/4627; Jeppe Police Station 011 624 6060; Yeoville Police Station 011 487 5900.
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