Edenvale police share festive season safety tips

As the festive season approaches Edenvale SAPS urged the community and visitors to remain vigilant of criminals and their activities.

“The Festive season is synonymous with the increase in certain categories of crime and this should serve as a reminder/warning that we all need to be wary and avoid becoming a statistic,” said Edenvale SAPS acting Vispol Commander and communications officer W/O Jacob Mashile.

“During this time, police visibility will be bolstered in hotspot areas in order to ensure the safety of community members and visitors alike.

“However, police in Edenvale are appealing to residents to also play their part in ensuring their safety as well.”
Mashile said police will concentrate on focus areas which include:

• The continuation of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign and the prevention of gender-based violence and femicide.

• Combatting aggravated robberies, which include carjacking, business robberies, as well as residential robberies.

• The enforcement of by-laws, which will include targeting hijacked buildings and the unlawful use of fireworks.

• The enhancement of road safety in partnership with traffic officials.

He said road safety will also be enhanced,

“This will include the combatting of drunken driving, speeding and checking for roadworthiness of vehicles.”
Edenvale SAPS also provided various safety tips for the community during the festive season.

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Business robberies

Mashile said criminals are aware that some businesses are flourishing at this time of the year, a time when employees in some sectors receive their annual bonuses.

“Patrons then normally flock to clothing shops and other stores for Christmas shopping where a substantial amount of money is spent.

“Criminals know that businesses will have more money on their premises than usual which will create the perfect opportunity to rob the business,” said Mashile.

CBD areas are usually the most high-risk areas prone to business robberies.

Mashile said business owners need to be on high alert during this time and ensure that sufficient measures are put in place in order to protect their business as well as employees.
Business owners should refrain from keeping large amounts of cash on their premises and alternate banking times.
Banking information should also be kept confidential.

They should find additonal security measures to safeguard their business premises by using burglar gates, CCTV cameras, or a security guard.

Mashile said when closed, businesses and schools must ensure that valuable items are securely locked away.
Theft from and out of vehicles

Mashile said there are numerous reasons why community members could fall victim to these crimes.

To prevent this Mashile said do not leave car keys in the ignition and make sure that all windows are closed.

He said parking vehicles overnight outside the confines of a property makes vehicles an easy target for potential criminals.

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Valuables must not be left in plain sight as they tempt thieves who are looking for easily accessible goods.
ATMs
At an ATM stand close to the machine to prevent anyone from seeing your Pin code.

“Do not accept any help from anyone while at the ATM.

“Never engage with strangers or believe anything they say to you while you are busy transacting,” said Mashile
He added that if the situation is suspicious rather cancel the transaction and walk away.

Fraud

Community members are requested to be on their guard when purchasing goods via the internet.

Mashile emphasised the need to make sure that websites are reputable.

“During this time of the year cases related to internet fraud increase as many people buy Christmas gifts online,” said Mashile.

Remaining vigilant

To avoid becoming a victim of crime Mashile advised community members to remain vigilant and observe all around them.

He said, if possible, walk in well-lit areas and in a group.

“Do not carry large amounts of money or display expensive jewellery in public. Keep mobile phones and valuables out of sight.”

Housebreakings

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Mashile said if community members are going away on holiday it is imperative for them to ensure that their property is secure through the use of alarm systems, outdoor lighting and burglar bars.

“Notify your neighbours, your security company and the police when going away so that they can look out for any strange activity around your house.

“Police will also make regular visits to your house while on patrols,” said Mashile.

Management of Edenvale Police Station and its members wished the community well, wishing them a blessed and happy festive season.