Cops share festive season safety tips
While Mdluli offered several safety tips, she still warned members of the public to always remain cautious as criminals always changed their ways of robbing people.
Due to the anticipated spike in various forms of crime during the festive season, police in the Akasia precinct shared safety tips with residents so they could avoid falling victim. “In previous years, we have seen that crime spikes during the festive season and this year won’t be any different unless we roll up our sleeves – both the police and community,” police spokesperson Constable Lindiwe Mdluli said.
One such tip, she said, was for residents to avoid carrying lump sums of cash when they went shopping. Instead, Mdluli advised them to use either a debit or credit card to make purchases.
“Members of the community are also advised to check with the security companies that are responsible for their alarms to verify that they are still in working condition and, if possible, leave someone in their households when they go for long holidays,” she said. Another crime Mdluli warned residents, particularly motorists, about was smash-and-grab incidents. “A safety tip that could prevent this from happening is to avoid placing valuables such as handbags on the seats and using cellphones while driving,” she said.
She advised motorists to place their valuables in the boot and to avoid using their cellphones as this caused them to be distracted. “We also urge community members to avoid talking to strangers when in shopping malls – regardless of how vulnerable they may appear,” Mdluli said. “Rather direct them to the mall security officials if they really are in need.” Residents with elderly relatives were also advised to accompany them to shopping malls as they were reportedly among the “easy targets” criminals opted to target.
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Mdluli also advised taxi commuters to be cautious of the public transport they utilised, adding that where possible, they should to take down the registration number and share it with a family member or friend. “Notify them that you are in transit so they know to contact the police should any misfortune occur,” she said. While Mdluli offered several safety tips, she still warned members of the public to always remain cautious as criminals always changed their ways of robbing people. “Community members should also avoid half-priced offers from people who are walking inside stores as criminals disguise themselves by wearing clothing that looks familiar to that of the workers from that store,” she said. She further advised shoppers to enquire at the tills to verify if such offers existed. Meanwhile, Mdluli said they had started with their safer festive season operations.
“These operations will ensure that no stone is left unturned and all perpetrators are put behind bars,” she said. Mdluli also took the opportunity to extend a merry Christmas message to community members and wished them a safe experience throughout the festive season. “Let us be aware that the pandemic is still in existence and infections said to be on the rise. Let us practice all the precautionary measures and obey the protocols of the national disaster management act that are in place,” she said.
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