Be safety savvy this festive season

Forderville Community Police Forum
Christmas is just around the corner and it’s almost time to relax, unwind and get into the holiday swing, but sadly it’s also the season for criminals to capitalise on their quest to ruin your holidays and rob you of your hard earned valuables.

ALSO READ: Safety tips for around the pool this festive season

For personal safety:
• Know the police station number and keep an updated list of all emergency numbers.
• Always tell someone where you are going.
• Do not display valuables like cell phones or jewellery, etc in public.
• Keep your handbag with you and do not leave it unattended.
• Do not carry large sums of money with you. It is better to use your credit/debit card instead of carrying cash.

Safety in your vehicle:
• Plan your route in advance.
• Keep the doors locked and the windows wound up at all times, especially at traffic intersections.
• Do not leave your cell phone or other valuables where they can be seen from outside the vehicle.
• Lock valuable items in the boot before your departure.
• Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.

Smash and grab incidents:
• Be wary of people standing at traffic lights or intersections.
• Never open your windows or doors for any stranger.
• If you encounter obstacles on the road such as rocks or tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them.
• Never leave children alone in the car, not even for a moment.

Hijacking warnings
• Residents are urged to be careful when arriving at or leaving their residences.
• When approaching your street, look in your mirrors for any vehicle following you.
• As soon as you have entered your property, close and lock the gate before offloading anything from the vehicle.

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