The Brooklyn police has urged locals to enhance efforts together with the police to prevent crime during the winter school holidays.
Acting station commander Colonel Gerhard Olivier said that the Brooklyn police station are geared for this holiday season and a vast police presence will be in place to prevent crime.
Spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said the following safety advice was put together to help ensure that the holiday season is not spoiled by crime.
ALSO READ: VIDEOS: How to keep your children busy during the holidays
“During school holidays teenagers and young people frequent shopping centres often without adult supervision.”
She said this made them more susceptible to get involved with the wrong people.
As a result, they can fall victim to crime or get involved in crime themselves.
“Incidents are being reported of teenage drinking, smoking and sometimes drug abuse at shopping centres.”
Parents are therefore requested not to use shopping malls and centres as an easy solution to keep bored teenagers and children busy during the holidays.
“The risk of rapes, human trafficking and robberies are also real and need proactive measurements from parents.”
Furthermore, shoppers and restaurant goers are requested to pay attention to their surroundings.
“Leave expensive jewellery and watches locked away at home.”
She said devious criminals are scouting restaurants and shopping centres to identify their victims with expensive watches and jewellery.
ALSO READ: Robbers targeting holiday makers in restaurants – Brooklyn police
“Keep handbags, cellphones and vehicle keys under your direct control at the restaurant.”
Handbags that are left under a chair or a cellphone that is lying on a table create opportunities for criminals.
“Vehicle-related crimes are still too high and motorists are reminded to remove all valuables from parked vehicles, especially laptops.
She advised that where possible motorists must park in the yard or secured parking not on the pavement.
“Residents must develop a habit of locking all security gates and doors, even when at home.
“Security measures at back doors, sliding doors, kitchen and bathroom windows must be upgraded to prevent possible break-ins.
The main gate according to Weilbach need the most additional safety measures to prevent criminals from derailing it to gain access to the premises.
ALSO READ: Tuesday Life Hack: 4 ways to ensure your house is safe during the holidays
“Request security companies for additional patrols while away on holiday for greater peace of mind or request the stay-at-home neighbour to keep an eye on the property.”
She said roadblock operations would form part of the Brooklyn police’s planned activities for the holiday period.
“Therefore – drink responsibly,” said Weilbach.
“To get arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in a roadblock will certainly spoil the holiday.
“Responsible drinkers that make use of taxi apps must be cautious of criminals who pounce on people while they wait for taxis.
“Since the beginning of the school holidays already 23 suspects were arrested for various crimes.”
Weilbach said these operations will continue throughout the holidays to ensure that everybody can enjoy a safe holiday.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Fighting violence in SA schools ‘everyone’s responsibility’
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
