The Benoni police reminds residents to be vigilant during this festive season as this is the time when criminals will be on the lookout for easy opportunities.
Spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele said shoppers must be aware of criminals pretending to be working at retail stores and offering goods at a lesser price.
“Also, when making withdrawals of large sums of money, beware of who is following you when you leave the leave the bank,” said Sekele.
“If you will be going on holiday, upgrade your security at home and inform your neighbours or friends to check your house regularly.”
She added that when shopping never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to restrooms.
“Teach your child to go to a shop clerk and ask for help, in case your child is separated from you,” she said.
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The safety tips shared by the police:
Keeping your home safe
• Ask a neighbour to remove letters from your mailbox to prevent criminals detecting your absence.
• Only tell those you trust that you are going on holiday.
• Ensure your house doors have burglar bars and are locked properly.
• If your house is burgled, notify the police immediately.
When shopping
• Don’t carry large sums of cash.
• Try to use bank cards when purchasing.
• Don’t carry your cellphone and wallet in your back pocket.
• Ensure that you have all your belongings before leaving a store.
• Report suspicious people, behaviour or situations to the mall security.
• Don’t leave valuables in trolleys and be careful of scams where strangers stand in passageways and offer you discounts on goods found in shops.
In the parking lot
• Roll up the windows and lock your car doors.
• Check the doors by hand after locking with a remote.
• Don’t leave valuables in the car.
• Be aware of your surroundings and have your keys out and ready when approaching your vehicle.
• Don’t linger once getting into your car and never leave children or animals unattended in a vehicle.
• Park near other cars and ensure that your car is locked after pressing the button. Jams can happen despite the car making a noise – when in fact, the doors aren’t locked.
Safety tip on bags
• Don’t give your bag to anyone who approaches you.
• Always zip your bag, never leave it unattended and minimise the items you carry in your handbag.
• When loading a vehicle, place your bag inside the car, on the floor.
Be careful at ATMs
• Never make large cash withdrawals.
• If you see somebody suspicious lingering around an ATM, walk away.
• If anything suspicious happens, cancel the request and leave.
• Never leave your receipts in the machine, and if you are bumped or distracted while using an ATM, cancel your transaction; make sure you have the right bank card and leave.
Some emergency numbers are
• EMPD Call Centre: 011 999 2093/4/5
• Municipal Services Call Centre: 011 458-0911
• Crime stop: 10111 or use the MYSAPS app
• Life Threatening Emergencies – 10177
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