Park safety tips Staying safe while outdoors Outdoor safety tips
JOBURG – Avoid being in areas of a limited line of sight such as thick bushes and shrubs, stick to paths that are open and preferably well used in parks and open spaces.
Residents have been reminded to be vigilant when out in public following crimes taking place in recent weeks.
On 2 September, Emmarentia resident John Msimuko was robbed of his bicycle by three men along the cycling paths near Hillcrest Avenue in Blairgowire. The traumatic experience took place merely five days after Msimuko had purchased his bicycle which he was using to go to and from work on a daily basis. Msimuko explained that he was returning home from work on 28 August when he came across the suspects. He said, “As soon as I stopped, the guys turned around and demanded the bike, one of the guys even showed me his knife and I decided not to fight back or it could end in me dying.”
Msimuko was searched by the men and watched helplessly as they walked away with his bicycle. “Watching them walk away with the bike made me feel like I did all that hard work and basically bought it for someone else.”
Fortunately for Msimuko, the community helped him to get another bicycle and he is smiling and riding once again. He warned others to be extra careful when riding or walking through parks and open spaces.
Jozi Trials have offered the following safety tips to the public:
- Be extra vigilant during the high-risk times between 4.30am to 10am and 5pm to 7pm. These times provide opportunities for criminals to take advantage of low light conditions to target the many users of the parks.
- Be aware of people and vehicles in the close vicinity. Situational awareness is your greatest defence tool.
- Try to exercise or use the parks in groups, there’s safety in numbers. Look after each and every group member and do not let people fall behind.
- Don’t use headphones, they reduce your awareness of what’s going on around you and make you vulnerable.
- Don’t display valuable items such as phones and cameras, keep them hidden.
- Avoid being in areas of a limited line of sight such as thick bushes and shrubs, stick to paths that are open and preferably well used.
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
