Norkem Park CPF shares essential safety tips

With the festive season underway, crime typically increases and the Norkem Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) is urging residents to stay vigilant.

Their key message is simple: awareness is your best protection.
Safety tips for the festive season
1. Home safety
• Test your systems: Ensure your alarm, outdoor lights, especially motion sensors and gate motors are fully operational before the holidays.
• Maintain a “lived-in” look: If you are travelling, ask a neighbour to collect your mail and use timers for indoor lights.
• Social media silence: Avoid posting your holiday plans online. Share photos only after you return.
• Dispose of gift packaging carefully: Boxes for expensive items should be torn up and placed in refuse bags. Do not leave them intact on the pavement.
2. Shopping and malls
• Be alert to car-jamming: Always physically check that your car has locked after using your remote.
• Park smart: Choose well-lit areas with guards or cameras, and keep valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the boot before you arrive.
• Secure your handbag or wallet: Carry handbags in front of you and avoid keeping wallets in back pockets.
• Limit cash: Use bank cards instead of carrying large sums of money.
3. ATM safety
• Do not accept help: Never take assistance from strangers at an ATM.
• Cover your Pin: Shield the keypad with your hand.
• Trust your instincts: If someone stands too close or you feel uneasy, cancel the transaction and leave.
4. On the road
• Check your vehicle: Make sure tyres, including the spare, oil, water, and lights are in good condition before long trips.
• Stay alert at intersections: Keep enough space between you and the car ahead to escape if necessary.
• Do not drink and drive: Arrange a designated driver or use an e-hailing service.
5. Parties and socialising
• Watch your drink: Drink-spiking is a real risk, never leave beverages unattended.
• Stay in groups: Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas.
How to report crime
Reporting crime, even minor incidents, helps SAPS identify patterns and deploy resources effectively.
Emergency Numbers: For crimes in progress or life-threatening situations:
• SAPS Emergency Line (Flying Squad): 10111
For immediate police response to burglaries in progress, hijackings or serious violence:
• Mobile Emergency Number: 112
Works on all mobile networks, even without airtime. Follow the automated menu for police, ambulance or fire.
• Nearest SAPS station:
Residents may go directly to a police station to report an emergency and open a case.
• Non-emergencies and follow-up
For crimes already committed, such as break-ins discovered after returning home or theft that occurred the previous day, visit the nearest police station.
Insist on an OB number or CAS number. This is vital for insurance claims and follow-up. Police must issue these numbers.
• Crime Stop: 08600 10111
Provide information anonymously about crime or suspects without giving your name.
• Community WhatsApp groups and safety apps
Join neighbourhood CPF or Watch groups to report suspicious activity quickly.
Use tools such as the CPF Buzzer Community SOS App for emergency alerts.
What to say when calling for help
• Stay as calm as possible and provide, your exact location: Street name, house number, nearest landmark or intersection.
• State the nature of the emergency, for example, “There is an armed robbery in progress.”
• Give descriptions of suspects, clothing, vehicles, and direction of travel.
• Your contact details, in case responders need additional information.
Norkem Park CPF urges the community to remain safe, aware and prepared throughout the festive season and to enjoy the holiday break responsibly.