Police message for the festive

As the festive season draws near, the Sinoville police would like to assure residents that numerous crime prevention operations will be conducted in the area to keep them safe.

Communications officer Warrant-Officer Johan van Dyk would like to wish residents a joyful and blessed Christmas.

He shared the following safety tips to avoid falling victim to criminals this season:
– Know all your emergency numbers by heart
– Know the locations of all your emergency services
– Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you
– Trust your instincts, if you feel uneasy, avoid that person or situation
– Limit your trips at night
– Watch out if people are milling around you, it could be a sign that you are about to be robbed
– Do not open doors for strangers or admit that you are alone
– Do not give your cellphone to strangers to use. If a call is to be made, get the number and make the call yourself while the stranger is waiting outside
– Show confidence while talking to strangers, and know where you are going
– Avoid wearing extravagant jewellery in public
– Carry your purse and handbag close to your body
– Never leave your handbag or purse in your shopping trolley
– Never carry a large amount of cash. Rather use EFT
– Avoid using ATMs in lonely places, or poorly lit ATMs
– Do not give your PIN to strangers, even banking personnel
– Stand close to the ATM and do not be distracted by strangers
– Use your hand and body as a shield when entering your PIN, also on handheld devices
– Do not count your cash at the machine, wait until you are in a safe place
– Always make sure your doors are locked in your vehicle to prevent remote jamming
– Do not leave your car unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute or two
– Always lock your valuables in your boot before departing on your trip
– Do not leave your handbag on the passenger seat while driving
– Always keep your doors locked
– Do not open your door if strangers approach you while you are in the vehicle. Open your window 5 to 6 cm to address them. If you feel uncomfortable, drive away
– Report any suspicious persons or incidents to SAPS on 10111 and request a reference number

Akasia police

The station commander at the Akasia police station, Colonel Godfrey Zwane sends season greetings to all Tshwane north residents for the festive season and urges residents to be vigilant during this season.

He warned residents who are travelling to not leave their homes unattended as in previous years police have noted that these homes have been easy targets for housebreaking, which spikes during this time.

Zwane shared the following safety tips for this festive season:
– Be aware of your surroundings when going to shopping malls and withdrawing money at ATMs
– Avoid carrying large sums of money
– Social clubs are encouraged to use mobile apps to distribute yearly savings and to avoid distributing cash, as members who draw this money are targeted and get robbed. Police suspect that this trend involves people being followed to the bank

Soundclip from Akasia police station

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