Easter weekend safety tips from top cop Rian
Police officer Captain Rian Opthof gives residents some tips about rising crime and how to stay safe over the upcoming Easter weekend.
With the Easter weekend around the corner, holidaymakers are advised to be on high alert.
• Also read: A day with the West Rand Flying Squad: Rapid responses and high-stakes crime busts
Police confirmed that there is an increase in the theft of and out of vehicles, and Captain Rian Opthof from the West Rand Flying Squad (WRFS) says these crimes happen especially over the Easter weekend.
He shared some tips to prevent these crimes:
• Do not park your car outside of a property or on a sidewalk
• If going to a shopping centre, park your car in a covered parking lot
• If car guards are available in a parking lot, ask them to keep an eye on your car
• Always know who your car tracking company is, and make sure your payments with them are up to date
• Try to avoid social hotspots in the evenings, and take preventive measures against theft if you are going to drink
• Do not leave your firearm in a car, even if it is locked
• Avoid driving in the evenings
• When leaving your car, ensure it is locked, as thieves use jammers
Opthof continued that the rainy season is continuing longer than usual this year, and says drownings are also a common occurrence.
He shared some tips to prevent drownings:
• Never leave your children unsupervised near any body of water, even if it is just a big puddle
• Flash floods can happen anywhere, so make sure you and your children do not find themselves in stormwater gullies or in springs
• If you have a social event near a pool where people will be drinking, make sure proper supervision will be in place, especially if there are children
• Regarding fishing trips, avoid going into unknown water without a lifejacket
• When on a boat or near a body of water, always wear a lifejacket
He continued that the most dangerous body of water is any form of dark water, like dams and rivers.
You think your children might know how to swim, however, anybody who knows how to swim can still get stuck on an obstruction in dark water and drown,” he added.
He concluded that over this Easter weekend, authorities will specifically look out for and be strict on drunk drivers and disorderly conduct, and warn residents not to take that chance.
