Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch – Security starts with you

AS THE eyes and ears of the police, Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch has its proverbial finger on the pulse of criminal activity in Vryheid.

The Neighbourhood Watch plays a vital role in the stamping out of crime and lawlessness in the community, patrolling the streets at night and responding to emergency situations with striking swiftness.

While their presence is reassuring to the community, it is imperative that ordinary civilians take measures to ensure that they do not become victims of crime.

Criminals have had a field day of late, jamming remote signals in parking lots, which prevents certain cars from utilising their remote locking systems effectively, thereby allowing the thieves to gain access to your vehicle and belongings with ease. Always check that your vehicle is locked and don’t leave valuable items or keys visible in your car. Be on the lookout for suspicious looking individuals loitering in parking lots.

Housebreaking is on the rise, with burglars and thieves adapting their ‘schedules’ to the patrolling times of the Neighbourhood Watch and altering the time at which they strike. While it is important to remain vigilant at all times, thieves now appear to be targeting homes between 7:00am and 5:00pm. Always keep your doors and security gates locked, even when you are at home. Don’t leave gardening equipment or valuables outside as this is an open invitation to thieves.

Several cases of robbery have taken place in recent weeks where individuals drew large amounts of cash and were subsequently relieved thereof shortly afterwards by conniving crooks. Always be alert when drawing money from a bank or an ATM. Do not drive around town with large amounts of cash as this merely paints a target on your back. Also beware of suspicious behaviour at ATMs as criminals keep a close eye on unsuspecting victims, looking for any opportunity to rob you of your hard-earned money.