With the festive season in full swing, The North Coast Courier asked iLembe police spokesperson captain Alex Thomson to share some safety tips to ensure residents and visitors enjoy a safe and secure holiday.

Travelling tips:

Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and your spare wheel is inflated before embarking on your journey.

Avoid distractions such as using your cell phone while driving.

Plan your route carefully and include rest stops in safe areas.

Keep valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the boot.

Avoid picking up strangers or accepting rides from unknown individuals.

Share your travel plans with a trusted person if visiting an isolated area.

Always park in well-lit, secure areas.

Accommodation precautions:

Do not leave luggage unattended unless locked away in your room.

Use safes or deposit boxes for valuables, including firearms.

Always verify the identity of anyone knocking on your door and deny access to strangers.

Hand your room keys to the reception desk when leaving your accommodation.

Street smarts:

Refrain from displaying expensive items such as jewellery or electronics.

Limit the amount of cash you carry and keep wallets in inside pockets.

Avoid dark, isolated areas at night, and rely on reputable taxi services.

Do not participate in street gambling or games of chance as they often lead to robbery.

Report lost or stolen belongings to the police immediately.

Gather information from your accommodation on areas that are unsafe to visit.

Keep children close at all times to prevent them from wandering off.

Ensure firearms are securely holstered and concealed, maintaining full control over them.

Home security during holidays:

Notify your local police station if you’ll be away for an extended period so they can conduct patrols in your area.

Inform a reliable neighbour of your absence, allowing them to monitor your property.

Avoid sharing holiday plans or travel updates on social media, as this can alert criminals to your absence.

Double check that all doors and windows are locked before leaving home.

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