Brighton Beach SAPS places the spotlight on robberies

It is that time of the year when we increase our withdrawal limits at an ATM, over the counter and carry larger amounts of cash.

During this part of the year, Christmas bonuses, cash incentives and stokvel contributions mature. This is the time when those with criminal intentions source your hard earned money to  fill up their Christmas stockings.

To create awareness on the prevention of robberies, a flyer campaign was hosted by SAPS, Brighton Beach with its aim being to provide safety guidelines to locals and visitors in their policing area.

The use of force includes the perpetrator/s  producing a weapon  which can range from a firearms, knife, broken bottle, stick, pipe or the use of  their  fist to rob you of your personal belongings.

The following guidelines were provided:

■Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions.

■Walk near the curb, on the side closest to and facing oncoming traffic.  This decreases the risk of someone in a car coming from behind you and grabbing you or your bag, and gives you a better angle to seeing into doorways alleys and a better path to escape it attacked.

■Do not walk in the street while texting, talking on your phone, or listening to music through headphones or an earpiece.

■If confronted by a perpetrator/s adhere to his/their request/s.  Do not challenge them; hand over the demanded item/items.  They will not hesitate to hurt you to get what they want.

■Do not use bushy areas or stairways, rather use a public road.

■Do not wear expensive jewellery as bling attracts criminals.

■Avoid dangerous parts of a town or area, especially at night as areas with little foot traffic are risky.

■Do not walk in the street while intoxicated.

■Avoid carrying large amounts of cash on your person; rather utilise debit card facilities or make use of internet transfers (ETF).

■Do not carry paperwork with you that reveal your personal address or details.

■If you are visiting a new location, find out in advance the safest and quickest route prior to departure. Also ask for beacons along the way so you can make sure you are moving in the right direction.

■Do not carry any identification tag attached to your house keys such as your physical address or mobile number.

■If you travel by foot attach a whistle to your handbag or belt to which you have easy access.  Blow short, yet loud breaths through your whistle. This will serve as an alarm and attract attention towards yourself as a call for help.

■Always have a short look over your shoulder, alternating just to make sure you are not being followed. If you suspect that you are being followed change direction, move towards a group of people or enter a shopping complex.