Norwood police reflected on a challenging 2020 and shared some holiday safety tips ahead of the festive season.
Spokesperson for the Norwood Police Station Sergeant Eric Masotsha said that gender-based violence was a particular challenge this year with many victims being confined at home with abusive partners.
Masotsha said that though police cannot do visible policing to prevent this crime, they encourage community members to report any incidents of domestic violence that they become aware of. Norwood police have also launched campaigns to educate communities about this scourge.
Masotsha said that he has been disappointed to see many gender-based violence victims returning to the police station to withdraw their case after being bribed or manipulated by family members.
“I encourage members of the public to refrain from being bribed to drop cases. Remember that your life is more important than money. Let the law take its course,” said Masotsha.
He also noted an increase in common robberies including cell phone snatching, theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles. He advised residents not to leave any valuable items in their cars.
Masotsha thanked the CPF for working ‘hand in glove’ with police to curb crime.
He provided the following tips to locals ahead of the festive season:
- Don’t drink and drive. Police will not tolerate those who violate the law
- Don’t tell strangers that you are going away
- Inform your private security company or the police of your time away and request regular patrols
- Don’t walk across the road without observing oncoming traffic.
“Let’s take care of ourselves this festive season. I wish all our loyal community members a happy and safe celebration at the end of the year and a good welcoming of the new year.”
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