Local police put spotlight on drugs and cyber crime

A police awareness campaign was held at I’langa Mall last week Saturday. Police spokesman, Capt Dawie Pretorius, said it was a joint operation between the SAPS, Hawks and the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric) to focus the public’s attention on various crimes affecting the country.

The display in the mall illustrated the various illegal drugs and the devastating effects thereof on users.

The campaign also focused on cybercrime.

Members of the various units handed out pamphlets to the public.

With regards to the drug situation, Pretorius said illegal substances posed serious threats to users due to the addictive qualities of these products. “It has devastating effects on a person, for example methamphetamine destroys a the user’s teeth and leads to death,” he said.

He added they also explainded the requirements for a firearm licence and the renewal thereof. “The forms are available at the police station,” he said.

Sabric brought attention to the various crimes in the world of banking.
The following tips were shared in this regard:
• Business owners should use alternate days and times to deposit cash to avoid cash robberies.
• People were encouraged to alternate between banks so that their banking pattern could not easily be detected by perpetrators.

The Hawks also promoted their function in combating organised crime. Members handed out gift bags and branded Hawks items to the public.

Read more here : Nelspruit crime hot spots identified