The police in the east of Pretoria have warned residents to beware common crimes during the festive season.
Spokesperson Colette Weilbach said hijacking, pick-pocketing, car theft, house break-ins and robberies were some of the more common crimes in the area.
She said residents must avoid carrying large amounts of cash in public places and avoid distractions when using an ATM.
ALSO READ: Brooklyn police carry torch for women
“Avoid isolated ATMs. If you are distracted by someone while you are attempting to make a transaction, cancel your transaction immediately,” she said.
Weilbach said robbers targeted people who were wearing flashy jewellery and expensive watches. When in public, people should avoid using their cellphones but should rather walk to a secure place like a shop.
She said the police started their festive season operations in October and would continue until mid-January. Police students were deployed at shopping centres and malls within the cluster to enhance police visibility.
“The police have doubled their efforts to ensure that community members feel safe and protected during December.
Maximum SAPS resources are deployed this time of the year to safeguard the community and to keep criminals at bay,” she said.
She said Brooklyn was experiencing an increase in vehicle thefts and theft at traffic lights. Weilbach said Brooklyn, Menlo Park, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Hazelwood and Hatfield reported the highest numbers of vehicle theft.
“Volkswagens and Toyotas are common types of vehicles to be stolen,” she said
Motorists must be vigilant when stopping at traffic lights and must not open their windows to prevent criminals from snatching valuables through the window, she said.
ALSO READ: Officer keeps Brooklyn police wheels spinning
“Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially for persons that are observing or following you and report any suspicious behaviour to the police.”
SAPS issued safety tips to help you through this festive season:
Safety while shopping:
Avoid answering or using your cellphone in public, instead, walk into a shop if you have to.
Do not leave handbags unattended in shopping trolleys or under the chair at restaurants.
Watch out for strangers hanging about, many incidents of car keys stolen out of handbags in an effort to steal the owner’s vehicle have been reported.
Safeguard your home when going on holiday:
Arrange with a friend or neighbour to switch lights on and off at irregular times. Or install a time light switch.
Arrange with a friend or neighbour to empty your post-box and to look after the garden. An unkempt garden is a giveaway of your absence.
When installing alarm systems, link it to a response unit.
Ask your security company to make more drive-bys during your absence.
Do not inform people unnecessarily that you will be away. Also, emphasise this to the domestic workers and the children.
Prevent house robberies
Be observant at all times.
Report any strange vehicle parked in your neighbour’s driveway in their absence.
Develop a habit of locking your doors, even when you are home.
Upgrade security measures at back doors, kitchen windows and sliding doors.
Do not leave valuables like laptops and cellphones near open windows.
Car theft
Always park intelligently. Criminals are deterred when vehicles are parked in spots that are clearly visible to the public eye. The more people that can see your vehicle, the less likely it is that someone is going to have time to break into it without raising suspicion.
Ensure that your car keys are in a safe place.
ALSO READ: Brooklyn police warn of ‘month-end crimes’
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
