Members of Douglasdale Police Station, together with members of the Douglasdale Community Policing Forum (CPF) embarked on a crime awareness campaign on the corner of Main Road and Robin Street in Blue Heaven on 7 October.
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According to the head of communications of Douglasdale Police Station, Captain Mpho Kgasoane, the purpose of the campaign was to make motorists aware of smash-and-grab incidents that were taking place in the area. “During the campaign, we realised that some of the motorists are so unsuspecting to an extent that they just leave their valuables that include laptops, cellphones, iPads, and handbags lying on the passenger seats or on the backseat of their vehicles,” Kgasoane said.
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She added that some motorists spoke on their cellphones while driving which attracted criminals.
Help prevent smash-and-grabs by considering the following:
- Never drive around with valuables on the passenger seat
- If leaving your car, do not hide valuables under the seat
- Keep your doors locked at all times
- Try to park your car where there is sufficient light and do not leave your car unattended for a long time
- When driving, put all your valuable items (laptop, iPad, handbag etc) in the boot of your vehicle
- Be alert of people lurking when you have to stop at a robot or a stop sign, when dropping off passengers or when in your own driveway
- Do not leave your car idling while opening a gate.
The police urged community members to report any suspicious activities or people in their neighbourhood.
Details: 011 699 1333; 08600 10111.
