Festive season safety tips for Thembisa residents
If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or a safe, well-lit location.
As the festive season approaches, Thembisa SAPS has issued important safety guidelines to help residents protect themselves, their loved ones, and their belongings during this busy and often risky time of year.
General safety tips:
• Use bank transfers to distribute stokvel money rather than handling cash.
• Avoid withdrawing large amounts of money at ATMs.
• Minimize carrying cash; instead, use your bank cards for purchases.
• Lower transaction limits on your banking app for added security.
• Keep information about pension, RAF pay-outs, or any lump-sum cash private.
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• Never leave handbags or cellphones unattended in shopping trolleys.
• Be cautious of scams involving fake cash dropped in public places. Thieves may use this to lure you to a secluded area to rob you.
• Verify the authenticity of websites when purchasing valuable assets, such as cars or houses online.
• Use discretion when sending money via money market services, ensure no one sees the PIN, and share it only with the intended recipient.
• Avoid sharing personal information, passwords, or PINs over the phone, especially with unknown callers posing as bank or service provider representatives.
• Do not click on suspicious links, as these may lead to hacking attempts.
• Ignore messages promising unclaimed inheritances or other monetary windfalls.
• Visit legitimate institutions for assistance, rather than seeking help from strangers.
• Avoid backdoor deals promising cheaper items; they often result in scams.
Anti-hijacking safety tips:
• Avoid parking on driveways, in dark areas, or in parks without security personnel.
• Refrain from sitting in parked cars, even during daytime, when visiting friends or family.
• If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or a safe, well-lit location.
• Stay vigilant for unfamiliar individuals or movements near your home; pass by and circle back if necessary.
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• Never give strangers a lift.
• Always lock your car doors and close windows, especially at night.
• Avoid sharing live locations or destinations on social media for security reasons.
Avoid reckless behaviour:
The police strongly discourage ‘pens down’ parties, which often involve underage alcohol consumption.
Such gatherings can result in serious incidents, including children going missing, being kidnapped, raped, or murdered.
By following these tips, Thembisa SAPS hopes the community can enjoy a safer festive season.
The police encourage residents to report suspicious activities to their nearest police station.
