East police gear up for festive season

Brooklyn police said it would redouble their efforts to fight crime during the festive season.

Festive season crime prevention operations have already started in the east of Pretoria with increased visibility and weekend operations.

“The operations are done in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, the Brooklyn CPF, community patrollers and private security companies,” said Brooklyn police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.

“The aim is to address and prevent trio crimes (house robberies, hijackings and business robberies), property, drug- and contact-related crimes as well as liquor and traffic offences,” she said.

“Liquor compliance inspections are increased to hold liquor licence holders responsible by not serving liquor to minors and/or to customers who are under the influence of alcohol.”

Brooklyn police station commander Brigadier Kushie Pietersen urged communities to behave themselves and not to participate in any irresponsible actions.

Petersen reiterated that alcohol could only be consumed at licensed premises or at a allocated licensed area.

“It is against the law to consume liquor on pavements, a parked vehicle or in the street. Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs will not be tolerated,” Petersen said.

“Excessive drinking impairs judgement and can expose a person to situations where they can fall victim to crime such as getting involved in fights or falling victim to street robberies.”

Cellphone users have been warned to be vigilant when using their phones in public.

Weilbach said street robbers often grabbed cellphones from pedestrians or people that were waiting for a taxi.

The robbers would flee the scene in a getaway vehicle.

“When visiting a restaurant, do not leave your cellphone on the table or a handbag under the chair.”

Business people are advised to adopt a culture of depositing their hard earned cash regularly with banks in a bid to thwart robberies.

Weilbach said police wanted communities to enjoy themselves and to have fun during the festive season.

“But they must do it with responsibility,” she said.

“Unlawful actions or bad choices can jeopardize one’s holiday.”

Residents were urged to play their role by reporting any suspicious persons, vehicles or circumstances to the police immediately by phoning the 10111 emergency number.

Information with regards to crime can be given to the police anonymously by phoning 08600-10111 or by using the MySAPS app.

Listen: How to avoid being a target for criminals:

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