BEREA police have encouraged the public to be proactive and create a safer festive season by complying with a few crime tips.
According to Berea SAPS, communications officer, Lieutenant PN Naidoo the police have embarked on a festive operation Duty Calls to spread a message of safety first to the public.
“Child safety during the holidays is at the top of the list,” he said, “Children need to know their residential address and telephone numbers of their parents or caregivers and the police. Teach your children to stay close to parents or adults, especially at swimming pools, beaches and busy shopping centres. They should never wander off and should avoid lonely places or taking short cuts through alleys or deserted areas.
“It is essential to instil in a child the ability to say NO when they are faced with uncomfortable situations,” he added.
If your child has gone missing, Naidoo said there is no waiting period to report a person missing as time is of the essence, it should be done immediately. “As a parent or caregiver, you have the responsibility to be aware of the whereabouts of children in your care at all times.”
ATM safety is important when people are spending more because of the holidays.” Avoid isolated ATMs and using the ATM late at night. Never give your card or your PIN to anyone for any reason, not even a bank official, security or police member,” warned Naidoo. He said one should never accept help from strangers when using an ATM and ensure that your own card is returned after the transaction.
“Avoid hijacking situations by ensuring your vehicle is always in running condition with good tyres (including a spare) and has enough fuel for your planned trip. Know the destination and the directions to it, and be alert if you get lost,” encouraged Naidoo. He said parking your car in well-attended parking lots especially at night was the safest option. “Never, ever pick up hitchhikers! And don’t have bags, cellphones, briefcases or other valuables exposed in your car or near a window, rather place them in the boot of your vehicle,” he advised.
As shopping becomes more frequent ahead of the festive season, Naidoo advised people to carry bags around their neck and diagonally across their bodies. “Also put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a back pocket. Conceal your cellphone when you are in a public place and do not get tricked into lending your cellphone to someone to make a call,” he advised.
As year-end parties peak, Naidoo advised people not to leave food or drinks unattended in public places or accept drinks or food from strangers. “They could be spiked, so say no. Also don’t leave a party or social event with someone you do not know or just met and never hitchhike,” he warned. Naidoo also cautioned motorists to be careful where they park at social events and never park on yellow or red lines as cars could be fined or towed. “Never drink and drive, the SAPS and partners will be out in full force to ensure that you enjoy a safer festive season so don’t break the law, you will face the full might of the judicial system,” he warned.
Despite load shedding being put on hold, the public must still take extra precaution if going on holiday due to maintenance black outs . “Ensure that a family member or friend comes to check on your the place, ensure the alarm is switched on, switch lights off or on and check for mail and remove newspapers. Old mail and newspapers are definite signals that nobody is home!” he said.
