On Tuesday, November 23 Honeydew Community Policing Forum (CPF) reminded the community that Black Friday was fast approaching. However, along with the excitement of catching a good bargain come thieves and scammers just looking to take advantage of busy shoppers.
On the day members from Honeydew CPF and Honeydew Police visited Sector 2 and conducted a visible-policing and crime-awareness campaign on the corner of Jim Fouche and JG Strydom Roads.
They spent time interacting with drivers and handing out pamphlets to create awareness about the various crimes in the area as well as provide safety tips going into the festive season.
The community is encouraged to keep an eye out for them over the next few weeks as they will be visiting several malls as well as conducting other crime-awareness campaigns in the area.
While many people will be out bargain-hunting and sale-surfing, Honeydew Police wish to urge shoppers to practice safety and be vigilant at all times as thieves anticipate this busy season as well, hoping to turn unaware shoppers into victims of crime.
“I think it’s great that we got Honeydew Police coming out and doing some crime awareness with the CPF, and having the public in mind while making sure that they are educated, especially around the festive season,” said Honeydew CPF PRO Michael Steyn.
According to the Honeydew CPF, personal safety is a matter of shared responsibility between authorities and members of the public.
To ensure that your shopping experience is safe, Honeydew CPF offered a few safety tips:
• Carry as little cash as possible
• Consider the convenience of paying your accounts electronically (consult your bank to find out about other available options)
• Consider making use of cell phone banking, internet transfers, or ATMs to do your banking
• Use alternative banking methods such as internet banking and cell phone banking
• Always cover your pin by shielding the hand that is typing it – even if you are alone at an ATM
• Never accept help or ask anyone to assist you at the ATM – rather go inside the bank for help
• Register for 3D secure, otherwise known as verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code before making online purchases with your bank card
• Be cautious of notifications that you have won any competitions, especially if you did not enter – do not respond with any personal information
• Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts
• Only provide your credit card details to reputable companies
• If it looks too good to be true, it usually is
• NEVER send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust
• Personal safety: Be crime conscious – be aware of crime opportunities at all times
