Newcastle SAPS gets festive season operation underway
"People need to be especially vigilant in parking lots at shopping centres, to make sure they are not being followed by suspicious looking people. Also, people should not leave any valuables in plain sight in their cars," said Captain Ncube.
How safe are Newcastillians and their possessions this festive season?
A recent surge in robberies and motor vehicle theft has left a deep impression on many residents.
Newcastle SAPS spokesperson, Captain Jabulani Ncube said all active police officers would be on duty this holiday season.
“This will form part of our annual festive season plan, which will operate throughout the entire KwaZulu-Natal Province,” he said.
The most common crimes during this time were armed robbery, fraud, stokvel theft and the money-throwing scam.
“The increase can be linked to the influx of people coming from all over Northern KwaZulu-Natal into Newcastle to do their shopping.”
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The visitors from Utrecht, Dundee, Dannhauser and local shoppers were easy targets for the criminal element. This was largely due to people being rushed to do their shopping and paying little attention to their surroundings.
“People need to be especially vigilant in parking lots at shopping centres, to make sure they are not being followed by suspicious looking people. Also, people should not leave any valuables in plain sight in their cars,” said Captain Ncube.
The reason for this was due to the increase in theft from parked motor vehicles during this period.
“Make sure your car is locked properly and nothing of value can be seen.”
Captain Ncube also cautioned people against trolley pushers, who sometimes used their line of work to steal from unsuspecting shoppers.
In case of emergency, Captain Ncube encouraged the community to contact SAPS immediately on 10111.
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